Mrs. Carrie Flanders - Board Vice President/Clerk
Carrie Flanders - Board Vice President/Clerk
Representing Trustee Area 1
(Current Term: 2022-2026)
Schools Located in Trustee Area 1:
Brea Canyon High School
Brea Olinda High School
Carrie was elected to the Brea Olinda Unified School District Board in 2014. She is currently serving as the Board President for the second time and has been Vice President/Clerk twice. She believes that in order to be an effective leader, who makes informed decisions, it's important for board members to participate in governance training. She has done this by taking the Master's in Governance courses, which provide professional development in Foundations of Effective Governance, Setting Direction, Policy and Judicial Review, Student Learning & Achievement, School Finance, Human Resources and Collective Bargaining. Additionally, these courses provided her the opportunity to be elected as a California School Board Association Delegate for two terms, This role allows her to advocate specifically for Brea's kids, giving BOUSD a voice in the decision-making and influence that CSBA has at the state level.
Carrie has lived in the City of Brea for 39 years and is a product of the Brea Olinda Unified School District, having attended elementary through high school in BOUSD. Growing up in Brea has given her a historical perspective on the issues and values our community has faced (and is facing) in education, along with the understanding that as Brea is growing and changing that the needs of our students are changing along with it.
After graduating from California State University, Fullerton, with a Bachelor's Degree in Child Development and a Multi-Subject Teaching Credential with a Supplemental in English, Carrie went on to work as an elementary school teacher for Anaheim City School District where she and her husband were given the opportunity to adopt their older son, Bernardo, who later served in the military. Carrie and Steve, her husband of 30 years, have three additional children, Tayler, Jessie and Nate, who all attended BOUSD schools.
As a parent, Carries has had thee opportunity to experience first-hand all areas of education in BOUSD, from the challenges and successes in academics at every grade level, to the value parent involvement has on a children's education, competitive sports, performing arts and STEAM pathways. She knows the importance of offering Brea's students programs that give them the experiences and opportunities they need to be successful in the future. She also advocates for the mental health and safety of our students, believing that kids need to feel safe and "seen" to learn.
Having a life-long passion for education made it natural for Carrie to become involved for the last 25 years as a volunteer in BOUSD on a variety of levels, ranging from a classroom volunteer, fundraising chair, PTO/PTSA president, school site council member, BOHS cheer booster board secretary and president, and a BOUSD substitute teacher.
Carrie has also been an active member of the community, having served on the Planning Commission for the CIty of Brea for two years where she was responsible for making decisions that upheld the values of our community. She became familiar with the various processes within a working Board, and was a valuable intermediary between the public and the CIty Council.
Serving as an involved member of the Rotary Club for the last 10 years, Carrie has served as a board member, president, treasurer and event coordinator. Rotary is a service organization committed to giving back to the community of Brea, largely donating to BOUSD programs which directly support Brea students, a cause that is near and dear to her heart.
Carrie has been recognized for her contributions to the community with several awards. She has received Rotarian of the Year twice, in 2016 and 2017, as well as Citizen of the Year from Brea Chamber of Commerce in 2016, giving her recognitions from State Assembly, Congress and Orange County Supervisor's offices. In 2017 she received the award as the 29th Senate District Women of the Year, honoring women in leadership who pursue their passions while enriching their community.
Through the experience that came from holding a position for 26 years as a Corporate Board Member of their family business, Carrie gained the knowledge and intimate understanding of finances, human resources, contracts and negotiations, as well as the importance of being fiscally responsible and solvent. This has been an asset to her in her role as a School Board Member.
Carrie's experience as an educator, parent, business owner, school/community volunteer, and Rotarian has not only made her a well-rounded leader, but also provided her with a variety of perspectives and qualifications as a School Board Member. She values public education and is dedicated to making decisions that put the safety, well-being and education of BOUSD students first.