Student Volunteer: Could you state your name and what you’re running for?

Regina Cuadra: Hi, I’m Regina Cuadra. I’m running for Fullerton Joint Union High School District, Trustee, Area 1.

Student Volunteer: What is one skill or experience every student should leave high school with that isn’t currently getting enough attention in schools?

Regina Cuadra: Excellent question. It really depends on the school, but I think most students need more practice with critical thinking. They should be given different views and opportunities, and then come to their own conclusions based on the information presented and their own research.

Student Volunteer: Do you think the use of artificial intelligence is negatively impacting that at all?

Regina Cuadra: There are pros and cons to any kind of advancement, right? AI can expand opportunities, but it can be abused if it isn’t used correctly. Since it’s part of our future, teaching students how to use it correctly, in a way that makes them critical thinkers, would be to their advantage. Some students and adults misuse it by writing prompts that have it do their thinking for them. So more education on how to use AI correctly would be helpful.

Student Volunteer: What can be done to help students who are missing too much school or falling behind?

Regina Cuadra: It’s important to check in on how students are doing and what’s happening in their lives and with their families. Our high schools have counselors available, and hopefully there’s a staff member each student feels comfortable checking in with. My kids love their extracurricular activities, and that’s a real selling point for getting them to school. A teacher can check in and ask what else is going on. Is it transportation? Are they staying home to take care of younger siblings? Once you see the bigger picture, you can help solve the problem.

Student Volunteer: What would you do to help students feel more prepared for college or a career after high school?

Regina Cuadra: Bring in more opportunities for real-world training, like trade schools and career technical education. My oldest is in the medical career pathway at La Habra High School, and he’s found his calling in the fire academy. Having that exposure to different options, right there where he can practice, has really helped.

Student Volunteer: What is your stance on cell phones and other personal tech devices in classrooms or on campus?

Regina Cuadra: Everybody has a cell phone, and that can be very distracting: the constant scrolling and social media. Sometimes someone posts something during the school day, and it turns into kids fighting later because of what was posted. So I’m an advocate for putting phones away during school time. It keeps kids engaged in the lesson and using the technology in the classroom. They’ll have plenty of time to check their phones after school, at lunch and during breaks.

Student Volunteer: What do you think about the phone pouches some schools use?

Regina Cuadra: There are always ways around them. Kids will sometimes put a fake phone in the pouch. Again, it’s about teaching kids to make responsible choices: You’re going to be a grown-up, and this is what I’m asking you to do, so put the phone away. If they can safely keep it in their backpack and not pull it out, we can trust them to do that, and I’d much rather err on that side. We don’t need to police where their phones are or keep them from students, because then the liability becomes what happens if a phone is broken, damaged or taken by another student. If we can teach our kids critical thinking and responsibility, they can just put their phones away during class instruction.

Student Volunteer: Who has contributed to your campaign, and who endorses you?

Regina Cuadra: I’ve had contributions from family and friends. My biggest contributor has been the Fullerton Joint Union High School District teachers union. My endorsements include supporters of public education, members of the La Habra City Council, La Habra City School District board members and the North Orange County Democratic Party.

Student Volunteer: How can you extend programs that teach students who aren’t interested in attending college about various job opportunities?

Regina Cuadra: It’s about exposure during the school day, whether that’s classes they can take, assemblies that bring in different fields or field trips that show them their options. We don’t know what we don’t know. Most of the time, kids follow pathways similar to their parents’ because that’s what they’ve been exposed to. If you show them more opportunities, it gives them an outlet to explore on their own.

Student Volunteer: What role should high schools play in supporting student mental health, and how would you measure whether those efforts are successful?

Regina Cuadra: It’s about creating a safe space where students feel supported and welcomed on campus, and having an adult they can talk to, whether that’s a counselor or a teacher. I’d lean on the teams at each high school for how best to track success, whether that’s attendance at trainings or how many students they’re able to reach and connect with resources.

Student Volunteer: What policies do you believe are most important to make sure immigrant students and families feel safe at school?
Regina Cuadra: I’m not sure of the exact policies that would directly influence that. But it starts with creating safe spaces on our campuses, communicating with families about their needs and making sure they know school is a safe space for them.

Fullerton College Hornet Interviews can be seen on the FCHornet YouTube channel under Meet the Candidates 2026.