LAUSD Candidate Joseph Quintana: Answers in Full

“I want to ensure that voices from every part of our community are heard and respected."

— Joseph Quintana

In the recently concluded filing period for the LAUSD School Board primary in June, Joseph Quintana was one of the entrants whose candidacy had not been previously announced. Quintana, who describes himself as “a Native American community advocate, nonprofit leader, and education and workforce development collaborator,” is running in Board District 2 against incumbent Rocío Rivas and Raquel Zamora.

As with all candidates for whom contact information is available, Quintana received six questions intended to help him introduce himself to voters. Below is the full text of his unedited responses:

Q. What is your current occupation?

I currently work as a leader of a nonprofit organization and have worked on issues like community-focused education and workforce development, with a background in advocacy, philanthropy, partnership development, curriculum development, and program design. My work centers on expanding access to education, supporting educators, and creating pathways that help young people and families succeed, especially those who have historically been overlooked.

Q. Do you or have you ever worked for the LAUSD? If yes, in what position(s)?

I have not been an employee of LAUSD. However, I have worked closely alongside educators across the state, administrators, and school partners on curriculum development, lesson planning, and educational initiatives, particularly around civil rights education, culturally relevant learning, and student engagement.

Q. Do you have any children currently enrolled in the LAUSD? Any graduates of the District?

(No answer received)

Q. Why are you running?

I am running because I believe service is both a responsibility and a privilege. Like many people, I want to make a difference, but more importantly, I want to ensure that voices from every part of our community are heard and respected.

I grew up in poverty, and public school changed the trajectory of my life. It gave me access to an education, sports, mentors, lifelong friendships, the arts, leadership, and public speaking opportunities, and the preparation I needed for college and public service. At the same time, I know the frustration of reaching out for help, sending emails, making calls, and not receiving responses on issues that deeply affect our communities and our children.

At a certain point in life, experience and education become tools for service. I’m running to use what I’ve learned to advocate for families, educators, and students, especially those who feel unseen or unheard, and to help prepare the next generation not just to graduate, but to lead. Our future depends on whether we prepare young people not just academically, but also personally and emotionally. Every student deserves to feel invested in, to have confidence in themselves, and to know there is dignity in whatever they aspire to become.

Q. Do you have any thoughts about how the LAUSD provides Special Education services?

I am a strong and unapologetic supporter of Special Education services. Supporting a child with special needs is already overwhelming for families, and navigating IEPs, services, and classroom supports should not add unnecessary stress.

I have long followed and supported organizations like Autism Speaks and the Special Education Advisory Board to the Bureau of Indian Education, and have worked to address stigma, increase awareness, and share accurate information about autism and neurodivergence. Every child deserves the support they need to thrive, and every parent or guardian deserves a system that is clear, responsive, and compassionate.

This also means ensuring teachers have the training, staffing, and in-class support necessary to serve students with IEPs effectively. Accountability matters, but it must be paired with real resources, not just mandates.

“Every child deserves to feel seen, supported, and believed in, especially those who navigate additional challenges. Families should not have to fight systems just to secure the education and services their children are entitled to. I believe in a future where students with special needs are met with dignity, educators are given the tools to succeed, and parents are treated as true partners. When we invest in children, fully and equitably, we build confidence, unlock potential, and show every student that no ceiling is too high to shatter.”

Q. Do you have any thoughts about how the LAUSD regulates charter schools operating within its boundaries?

I believe autonomy can have benefits, but it must be balanced with fairness, transparency, and accountability. We should not accept a system where some schools are perceived as “better” while others are left struggling.

Every school, district, or charter should meet the same expectations: safe campuses, qualified and supported teachers, strong parent engagement, and a high-quality education for all students. As bureaucracy and red tape continue to grow, we must also ask whether our systems are flexible enough to adapt, pivot, and respond to students’ real-time needs.

Ultimately, the goal should be equity and excellence across the board, ensuring that no matter a child’s zip code or school type, they have access to opportunity, support, and a future they can believe in.

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Candidates are currently collecting signatures for their nominating petitions. I will continue providing voters with additional opportunities to hear directly from those seeking office as the June 2, 2026, primary approaches.