“ As a former SVUSD administrator and school counselor, I fully support and endorse Amanda Morrell as an SVUSD Board Trustee. Amanda is smart and sensible. She asks good questions and always puts students first in her decision making authority. Amanda asks critical questions to ensure SVUSD is moving forward and is doing what is best for students. “
— Monique Yessian
“I highly endorse Amanda Morrell for SVUSD School Board. I have volunteered with Amanda in the District for over 10 years. She has a passion for giving back to our schools and community. Her children attended SVUSD schools and she is dedicated to seeing every child thrive in public education. Amanda gives impeccable attention to detail and researches all sides of complex issues. She is known on the board for reading every word of board packets and asking the tough questions. Amanda passionately supports the teachers and classified staff. I love that she is fiscally conservative and has never taken any developer funds. Bottom line- we TRUST Amanda Morrell to make wise decisions for our district during these turbulent times. She is exactly what our board needs for a bright future!”
—Kimberly Johnson; Foothill Ranch Resident with THHS students and a graduate.
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In these unusual times, Kathy and I believe it is more important than ever to support leadership making the best quality decisions for our community. When it comes to Education we are proud to support Amanda Morrell serving on the SVUSD School Board. With challenging obstacles in the way of providing excellence and wise management for the children and families in the Saddleback Valley, we are confident in Amanda's abilities, dedicated passion, and track record to do the best and right actions in this role.
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— Doug and Kathy Cirbo, Residents of Portola Hills for 34 years
“I’m so glad I spoke with Amanda about Jr. High for my daughter. Amanda listened to my concerns, shared what she knew, and answered my questions so I could make a more informed decision about our alternatives. She is passionate about serving our community and I support her for SVUSD School Board.”
— Ginger Alotta, Realtor, ETHS and Serrano Intermediate Parent
“Thank you Amanda for all you do for our community! Amanda Morrell is a Parent, our Ex. PHE PTA President and current SVUSD Board member. She has done everything possible these past years for the betterment of the students. Please note: Amanda has a full time career and does this role as a goodwill for our community. Please join us in supporting her.”
— Prashu Neela
“ I have known Amanda Morrell since our children attended Portola Hills Elementary School in SVUSD. As PTA president, Amanda skillfully led a large group of volunteers and implemented a calendar of activities to enhance student achievement and parent involvement. Amanda continued to serve the students of SVUSD on the PTA District Council where she advocated for all students. As an SVUSD trustee, Amanda Morrell tirelessly serves the students of our district. She is passionate about making sure that all SVUSD students have the best educational opportunities. Amanda seeks the opinions of all stakeholders when making decisions for our district. Amanda visits school campuses touring classrooms, engaging students, and talking to staff to stay in touch with what is happening on a day to day basis in our district. She makes a point to attend celebration events for students and staff in our SVUSD community. Her continued presence as a board member during these unprecedented times is critical. She has proven herself as a passionate public servant and will continue to champion all that is excellent for the students of SVUSD.”
— Peggy Aungst SVUSD Teacher
“Amanda Morrell is a hard worker, organized and committed to family values. I have watched her fight to help our local schools for decades as her family has grown up on our street.”
— Karen Lake
“My wife and I are pleased to support my former colleague, Amanda Morrell.
I’ve worked with Amanda and can attest to her thoughtful decision-making based on facts, and attention to detail.
Amanda cares about others and will work hard for the good of students. I trust her to do what’s right for the community.”
— Jose and Courtney Aguila
“I have watched Amanda Morrell these past 4 years and found her to be analytical, fiscally minded and impartial. She understands the issues and thinks about what is best for students before making a decision. She is a strong leader that we need for our schools.”
— Louise Robertson, Foothill Ranch Resident, CPA and SVUSD Parent Volunteer
“Amanda Morrell is running for the SVUSD board as the incumbent.
I met Amanda a decade and a half ago when my oldest and her youngest were in Kindergarten together. I liked her right away for her willingness to help mentor me as a new mom. She shares information and asks for opinions and support without expecting anything in return or telling you that her opinion matters more. She listens. Even when there is disagreement. She and I disagree on many things. My vote and fundraising help, when I can provide it, is not to encourage her to support all of my beliefs. They are because I trust and believe in her abilities to perform the job and do it well. She makes things happen, is trustworthy, wants the best for our kids, is smart and dedicated and has a higher and different perspective than I do. We have discussions about higher ideas even when we do not share the same wishes for the outcome.
Our school board positions are important and I believe in her abilities to make things better for our students. If the way she sees fit to do it does not agree with all of my theories then so be it.”
— Sheila Siegel, President/Senior Loan Consultant Synergy Financial Group
“As active members of the Saddleback Valley community for over 25 years and proud parents of 3 recent graduates of El Toro High School, we want to offer our support to our friend Amanda Morrell to be elected to another term as our representative of the Saddleback Valley Unified Board of Trustees. Amanda has worked tirelessly in numerous projects that have improved our community inside and outside the boundaries of our school district. We have been fortunate to participate with her in some of these and have seen first hand her commitment and caring. ”
— Colleen & Mark Logomasini
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During my time as a teacher at Portola Hills Elementary School, Amanda Morrell was a mainstay of the parent leadership. Amanda provided quiet, steady leadership and effort. She was a reliable and valuable volunteer in my classroom over multiple years when I taught her sons, and went on to serve on the PTA and ultimately the PTA president.
It has been rewarding to watch Ms. Morrell continue to pursue her goal of supporting students, student learning, and the Saddleback Valley Unified School District, well beyond her sons’ graduation. Amanda is smart, compassionate, creative and committed. I fully endorse Amanda Morrell as a continued member of the SVUSD School Board.”
—Heidi Galloway; Teacher, SVUSD 2001-2008; Teacher, St. Mary’s School 2008 - present
“I am a parent of students in SVUSD and have seen the dedication, endless support, commitment and passion Amanda provides to our community, to our schools and our students as the Vice President of SVUSD Board. She regularly attends concerts, games, competitions, School festivals for all of our schools and does this out of a genuine desire to support our students. She has attended concerts at a moments notice and is always happy to be present. Amanda is extremely supportive of student fundraisers that give our students access to enriching programs and opportunities that continue to help them grow. Our Marching Band was selected to march in the 2020 Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. Amanda was as excited for our students as any parent in this program. She immediately brainstormed ways to expand fundraising, and she graciously shared fundraisers across social media that generated much appreciated contributions and sales for my son. Amanda is a person who cares for each student, and she encourages their success. She is fundamental to this community and I am greatly honored to endorse her for another term on SVUSD Board of Education.”
— Michelle Galasso, SVUSD Parent
“As a Realtor I know it’s important to most people looking for a home to find an area with quality public schools. I know Amanda works very hard to put students first and to ensure SVUSD successfully prepares all students for their futures. Please join me in supporting Amanda for the SVUSD School Board in 2020.”
Nita Desai, Realtor
“As a high school student, Amanda had all of the gifts-- creativity, academic achievement, athleticism, strong work ethic and above all she was kind and liked by everyone. I was her art teacher and am proud we continue to be friends, 30 years later. I know Amanda has "the right stuff" to lead and make important decisions for the good of the whole, that's who she is. I strongly recommend you vote for Amanda Morrell for a seat on the Saddleback Valley USD Board of Education.”
Cynthia Marks; Art Educator, retired
“As an educator I appreciate all of the thought and effort Amanda puts into every decision she makes. There is a need for thoughtful contemplation over the education of our children. It is clear that she wants to do what is in the best interest of the students. I support Amanda and her efforts.”
— Dan Grubb, Educator
“As a governing board member Amanda always advocates for and puts students first. She has a solid base of knowledge without a learning curve. It’s that foundation that lets her be successful in governing on the school board in such unprecedented times. The time that she has spent volunteering in the community, and from within the school district has prepared her to listen, respond and act effectively to address the myriad situations that arise. As an administrator, that worked closely with Amanda during my tenure, I know that she is a strong leader and will be especially sensitive to the concerns of both parents and teachers.”
— Susan Navarro-Sims, Retired SVUSD Principal
“I believe Amanda Morrell serves our district with integrity, an open mind and respect for all. Her primary focus is on doing what’s best for the students and the district as a whole. Amanda works to understand all sides of an issue before making a decision. Her insight and leadership skills are invaluable to SVUSD and are needed now more than ever.”
—Kathy Paxton, Educator
“Amanda is level-headed, hard-working, and community-spirited. I was impressed by her calm demeanor and intelligence during shared activities with our children at SVUSD schools and a local Boy Scout Troop. As an Instructional Assistant (IA) at Esperanza Education Center, I am confident that Amanda has the integrity and experience to balance the needs of the students, parents and staff of SVUSD in unprecedented times.”
— Pauline Minns
“The City of Lake Forest Parks and Recreation Commission thanks and commends Amanda Morrell, Learned Lady for her dedicated service to the residents of the City of Lake Forest, active participation in City of Lake Forest community events and supporter of community programs.”
— Loretta Herrin, Jim Rosenberg, Victor Scherr, Steve Manning and Jeff Werkmeister