A local high school PTA president has been picked to fill a vacancy on the Newport-Mesa Unified School District board.
Kirstin Walsh, a mother of two, PTA president of Newport Harbor High School and pediatric occupational therapist was appointed Monday evening in a 4-2 vote by the school board to represent the district’s Area 5.
She will fill the remaining term of former Trustee Michelle Barto, who left the board in November when she was elected to the Newport Beach City Council.
Walsh said she’s been part of multiple PTAs and school councils, becoming more involved with the district after her son was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, leading her to leave her job to support him.
After 13 years watching her children grow up in the school district and getting to know the teachers and staff, serving as a school board trustee is the next step, Walsh said.
“I want to be part of a team that is making decisions for the safety of the children, the students, the staff and the community,” she said during her interview with the board. “I want to support what is needed from the board, and I truly think if I am the person that can make that happen, then this is where I want to be.”
Board President Krista Weigand, who supported a different candidate, said the board should pick an appointee who best aligned with Bartos’ values and her constituents’ values.
“We’re filling (a vacancy) by someone who won an election favorably so it is important to look at the constituents to see who aligns with that voter base the most,” Weigand said.
Barto served on the school board since 2018, supporting during her time as a trustee programs such as arts education and Career Technical Education, Weigand said. Her pick, Andrea McElroy, championed those initiatives and would be the best applicant for the position, she said.
Trustee Michelle Murphy was one of the first to voice support for appointing Walsh, saying Walsh having children attending schools in the district and being involved on campuses, she is best suited for the position. Murphy added the district needs someone who is knowledgeable about the experiences of teachers and students.
“There are a lot of decisions that need to be made about our schools and our students’ futures,” Murphy said. “To me, it will require and need somebody who is on the ground – boots on the ground.”
Trustees Leah Ersoylu, Ashely Anderson and Carol Crane also voted in favor of appointing Walsh. Weigand and Trustee Lisa Pearson were opposed.
The trustees interviewed two other candidates at Monday’s special meeting: Phil Maurer and Valerie Shedd. Another applicant, Andrew Lawler, did not attend the meeting for the interview.
Walsh will represent NMUSD’s Area 5, covering coastal communities that include Newport Elementary, Ensign Intermediate and Newport Harbor High School.
The term ends in December 2026.
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