Allyson Damikolas, James Laird and Jonathan Stone Elected to TUSD Board of Education
Allyson Damikolas, James Laird and Jonathan Stone have been elected to the Tustin Unified School District Board of Education. Damikolas, Laird and Stone represent Trustee Areas 1, 2 and 4, respectively. This will be the first term for Damikolas and Stone. Laird was re-elected and will begin his fifth term on the Board.
Damikolas, Laird and Stone will be sworn in at the TUSD Board meeting on Monday, Dec. 14, at 6 p.m. in the Board Room at the District Administration Center, 300 South C Street, Tustin.
Allyson Damikolas is an engineer, parent, PTO president, member of the PTA/PTO Coordinating Council and active community volunteer. Her three children attend TUSD schools.
“I look forward to working with everyone on the TUSD leadership team and building on the success that has distinguished our district in Orange County and throughout the state,” Damikolas said. “The opportunity to serve on the TUSD Board is truly an honor, and I look forward to dedicating myself to the challenges that lie ahead. As we move TUSD forward, I will continue to rely on and expand upon the strong relationships with teachers, classified staff members, administrators and TUSD families that I have developed over the years.”
James Laird has served on the Board for 16 years – he was elected in 2004. He has been appointed Board president and vice president three times each. Laird is an Orange County deputy district attorney. He is a product of Tustin Unified schools and a graduate of Foothill High School. His children also attended TUSD schools.
“I’m grateful for another term of public service working alongside our employees and community who make TUSD nationally recognized as an exceptionally successful school district,” Laird said.
Jonathan Stone attended Tustin Unified schools and is a graduate of Foothill High School. Stone served as co-chair of the TUSD Measure N Bond campaign and was a member of the District’s Measure S Citizens’ Oversight Committee. He has a background in technology and corporate training before a 10-year stint as a small business owner. He also served on the board of the Tustin Chamber of Commerce, including a term as chairman. Stone’s daughter is currently a TUSD student.
“I am honored to join the Tustin Unified school board,” Stone said. “I look forward to continuing the excellent work done by our current board members. The school district is the pride of our community due, in large part, to the hard work and devotion of our teachers, classified employees, administrators and Board members. I am delighted to join this team effort.”
“I wish to congratulate Allyson, James and Jonathan, and look forward to working with them in the years ahead,” TUSD Superintendent Dr. Gregory Franklin said. “I also want to thank Board members Tammie Bullard and Francine Scinto for their dedicated work and contributions to the students, staff and schools in the TUSD community.”
Bullard and Scinto are leaving the school board after 24 years of service. They were both elected in 1996 and their last Board meeting will be Monday, Nov. 16.
