Ahead of the November general election, the Southern California News Group compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent you. You can find the full questionnaire below. Questionnaires may have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some instances, to remove hate speech and offensive language.
MORE: Read all the candidate responses in our Voter Guide
Name: Deon Mario Hairston
Current job title: Professional musician/educator
Incumbent: No
Other political positions held: None
City where you reside: Murrieta
Campaign website or social media: ElectDeonMarioHairston.com, ElectDeonMarioHairston (Facebook, Instagram, X)
How can the school district best meet the needs of all students, including those learning English, those who need mental health service, those in special education programs and those from low-income backgrounds?
MVUSD can best meet the needs of all students by creating a supportive, inclusive environment focused on student learning and achievement.
For English learners, we should provide targeted language development programs that integrate with core academic subjects, allowing students to excel while mastering the language. For students requiring mental health services, and for those in special education, individualized education plans (IEPs) must be carefully crafted and regularly assessed to meet each student’s unique needs. We also need to prioritize that high-quality resources are in place to support their well-being and development. We should also prioritize equitable access to resources for low-income students, ensuring they have the tools necessary to thrive academically.
The overall goal is to have an environment where all students feel supported, challenged and inspired. By providing our educators with the necessary resources and professional development, we empower them to deliver the highest quality education. Every decision we make should prioritize student success, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Some school districts have adopted transgender notification policies to notify parents if a student says they are transgender. If your district has such a policy, do you support or oppose it? Why? If yours does not, would you support or oppose such rules? Why?
As a person who upholds the law, I recognize that a new California law prevents school districts from requiring teachers to notify parents if a student changes their gender, name, or pronouns. I believe schools should be safe havens for all students, including those in the LGBTQ+ community, and should foster an environment where every child can thrive both academically and emotionally.
I believe it is critical that schools maintain an inclusive, respectful, and supportive environment for all students. We need to balance family involvement with ensuring that students feel safe and respected in their educational setting. I would support policies that respect both the privacy of students and the rights of parents, while ensuring schools remain safe and welcoming places for everyone.
I believe that the school’s role is to provide a nurturing environment, while important conversations around identity are ideally held within the family, with sensitivity and care.
What is the biggest issue the school district faces, and how would you address it?
The biggest issues facing public education, including our district, are fiscal responsibility and bullying, and I am committed to addressing these challenges through proactive financial management and strong, decisive actions to ensure safe and supportive environments for all students.
Fiscal responsibility is essential to maintaining the trust of our community and ensuring our schools have the resources they need to succeed. As a board member, I will advocate for efficient use of district funds and support budget decisions that align with our financial goals. I will work collaboratively to ensure that time and resources are dedicated to advancing high-quality education for every student.
Every student deserves a safe learning environment. I will tackle bullying head-on, ensuring that our schools are safe spaces where students can thrive. My approach includes early intervention programs to address bullying behavior before it escalates, balanced disciplinary actions paired with behavioral support, and strong parental involvement. I will also advocate for staff training to equip teachers with the tools to prevent and respond to bullying effectively, while fostering a cultural shift that encourages students to support one another.
Why would you make a good leader, and how would you represent the diverse communities within the school district?
I would make a good leader for MVUSD because I am fully committed to ongoing professional development and staying informed about the latest educational trends, policies, and best practices. I believe that effective leadership requires continuous learning and I am dedicated to participating in trainings and opportunities that will allow me to make informed decisions for the benefit of our students, educators and community.
I will represent the diverse communities within our district by fostering open communication, transparency and accountability. By actively engaging with students, parents, educators and community members, I will assure their voices are heard and considered in every decision we make. It is essential to me that we uphold laws while also being responsive to the unique needs of our district.
I will collaborate with my fellow board members to create a unified vision that focuses on student achievement, teacher support and community involvement. By prioritizing inclusion, social support and data-driven decisions, we can make sure that every student has the opportunity to succeed and that MVUSD continues to provide a high-quality education for all.
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