(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — For many school board candidates, their personal experiences have shaped their views and fueled their passions for improving the educational system. From childhood bullying to navigating the challenges of immigrant life, these candidates’ pasts have profoundly influenced their priorities and drives to serve their communities. Mike James and Dorina Timbol stand out as two candidates whose difficult personal journeys have made them committed advocates for school safety, student support, and equity in education.
Mike James:
Mike James’s candidacy is deeply rooted in his own difficult experiences as a child. James was bullied during his childhood, making school an isolating and fearful place for him. However, what helped him persevere was the presence of supportive, non-police figures—teachers, mentors, and staff members—who made him feel safe enough to continue his education despite the emotional toll of bullying.
Interestingly, Mike initially opposed the idea of having School Resource Officers (SROs) on campus, believing they could potentially intimidate students or disrupt the educational environment. However, as he reflected on his own experiences and saw the growing concerns around school safety, he came to realize that having well-trained, compassionate officers on campus could actually play a crucial role in student protection. His own journey has led him to the conclusion that SROs, when working alongside teachers and staff, can be a vital part of ensuring students’ safety and well-being.
This shift in perspective has shaped Mike’s advocacy for a broad network of supportive adults on campus—teachers, mentors, staff, and SROs alike—who can make children feel safe, respected, and protected. His personal connection to bullying informs his understanding of the profound impact emotional and mental safety has on a student’s ability to learn. As a result, he has made it his mission to ensure that all students feel supported, both academically and personally.
Dorina Timbol:
Dorina’s journey to the school board is also shaped by her own struggles, though her challenges came from growing up in an immigrant family. Raised by her grandparents, she had to take on responsibilities far beyond her years, acting as an advocate and translator for her family. This experience of navigating language barriers and helping with her family’s needs exposed Dorina to the difficulties many immigrant families face when trying to access educational resources and support systems.
These early responsibilities have shaped her commitment to ensuring that schools provide the necessary resources for students, particularly those from disadvantaged or underprivileged backgrounds. Dorina’s experience has given her a firsthand understanding of the gaps in support that exist for students whose families may not have the tools or guidance they need. Her focus is on creating an inclusive educational environment where every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to succeed.
Dorina’s candidacy is driven by her personal connection to the immigrant experience and her understanding of the challenges that come with it. Her advocacy for better student support systems, family engagement, and resource accessibility is a direct reflection of the obstacles she faced as a child. She is deeply committed to ensuring that no student feels left behind due to a lack of support, language barriers, or systemic challenges, and she brings this passion to her campaign for the school board.
Conclusion
Both Mike James and Dorina have been shaped by their personal struggles—Mike through his experience with childhood bullying and Dorina through the challenges of growing up in an immigrant family. These experiences have fueled their desire to serve on the school board and advocate for the issues they believe are critical to improving the educational system. Their commitment to creating safe, inclusive, and supportive environments for all students is not just a campaign promise but a deeply personal mission, born out of their own lives and challenges. As they strive to make a difference, their personal histories provide them with a unique and powerful perspective on how best to serve the students and families of the Simi Valley community.
