My name is Carson Link, and I am running for LUSD School Board in District 5 because it is time to set our kids up for the jobs of the future.

I was born and raised in Lompoc and attended Lompoc Unified School District schools throughout my entire youth. I have served the community as a nonprofit leader, an advocate for the unhoused, and a legislative aide to State Senator Monique Limón.

It is time for a fresh perspective and focus on educating our children to take over the space transportation jobs developing right in Lompoc’s backyard. To do this I support the expansion of career technical education programs. Careers in welding, machining, electrical work, and mechanics will not be taken by AI anytime soon and must be invested in. Additionally, our schools must simultaneously pursue robust STEM education programs to create a local pipeline of engineers, scientists, and mathematicians.

At the same time, our schools must also step up and become the connective tissue of the community. The school district must do more to stem the violence occurring in our streets and connect families with the resources to combat it in their homes and community. The mental and physical health of our students should be made a priority.

The school district must work to increase budget stability. The current LUSD budget deficit is unsustainable. Given the projected deficits and decreases in funding, budget reserves can be estimated to run out within the next six years. This does not account for further changes in formula funding or unknown costs of future employee negotiations.

If elected, I look forward to transforming my unique understanding of Lompoc’s needs into actionable policy. Our district does not need more of the same old ideas promoted by folks who have been around too long. It is time for a fresh and bold vision for the future of our kids and community. I hope I can earn your support in this fight!