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CARLSBAD FAMILIES FOR STRONG SCHOOLS
Carlsbad Families for Strong Schools is supporting Michele Tsutagawa Ward in Trustee Area 1, Dr. Tracey Perrault in Trustee Area 4, and Chris Waidelich in Trustee Area 5 in the 2026 Carlsbad Unified School District elections.
Learn more about the candidates and the experience, backgrounds and priorities they bring to their respective races.
Carlsbad Unified serves families across a diverse community, and decisions made by the School Board affect students, educators, families and the future of local schools.
Carlsbad Families for Strong Schools is supporting candidates in Trustee Areas 1, 4 and 5 whose publicly stated priorities address areas such as student learning, school safety, educator support, family engagement and preparing students for the future.
Learn more about Michele Tsutagawa Ward, Dr. Tracey Perrault and Chris Waidelich, including their backgrounds and priorities.
CARLSBAD UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
TRUSTEE AREA 1
Educator. Administrator. Current Carlsbad Unified Trustee.
Carlsbad Families for Strong Schools supports Michele Tsutagawa Ward for Trustee Area 1.
Ward was elected to the Carlsbad Unified School District Board of Trustees in 2022 and currently serves as Board President. Her background includes experience as a classroom teacher, instructional leader and school administrator. She and her family have also been part of the Carlsbad school community, with her two children attending Carlsbad schools from kindergarten through graduation.
Supporting instruction, literacy, thoughtful use of classroom technology, career technical education and additional pathways for students.
Providing educators and staff with resources and support to create healthy learning environments.
Encouraging family involvement and stakeholder participation while supporting transparent district budgeting and decision-making.
Supporting student wellbeing, belonging, mental-health resources and learning environments where students feel safe and included.
CARLSBAD UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
TRUSTEE AREA 4
Educator. Parent. Community Member.
Carlsbad Families for Strong Schools supports Dr. Tracey Perrault for Trustee Area 4.
Perrault is the mother of two children who attended Carlsbad schools. Her background includes experience in education as well as involvement as a parent and community volunteer. Her priorities include student success, support and safety.
Supporting academic opportunities and learning environments designed to help students develop and succeed.
Supporting student-centered decision-making and providing strong support for learning.
Perrault identifies school safety and student wellbeing as priorities, including concerns related to technology, cyberbullying and online safety.
CARLSBAD UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
TRUSTEE AREA 5
Parent. Community Volunteer. Attorney.
Carlsbad Families for Strong Schools supports Chris Waidelich for Trustee Area 5.
Waidelich is a parent of two Carlsbad Unified students, the spouse of a public-school teacher, a Carlsbad Education Foundation board member and an attorney with more than 15 years of professional experience. His community involvement has also included coaching youth sports and Lego Robotics teams.
Preparing students for a changing world and helping them build the skills they need for future success.4.
Promoting collaboration, problem-solving and thoughtful decision-making involving district resources.5.
Supporting learning approaches and tools that respond to different student needs and changing educational technology.
Supporting environmentally responsible investments intended to improve campuses and direct resources toward classrooms.