Tustin Educators Association Endorses Abelove's Re-Election Campaign for Area 5
TUSTIN, CA — Tustin Unified Trustee Jonathan Abelove today announced the endorsement of the Tustin Educators Association (TEA), adding significant momentum to his campaign for re-election to the Tustin Unified Board of Education, Area 5.
TEA represents the educators working directly with Tustin students every day. Its support reflects Abelove’s long record of listening to teachers, working collaboratively, and providing steady leadership through challenging times.
"The Tustin Educators Association's endorsement of Jonathan Abelove is one that has been earned through time, trust, and a demonstrated commitment to partnership," said Lisa Hickman, President of the Tustin Educators Association. "Jonathan has shown a sincere willingness to listen to educators, engage in meaningful dialogue, and work collaboratively to address the complex challenges facing our schools. As we face uncertain and increasingly challenging financial realities, including unpredictable state funding and difficult decisions that will shape the future of our schools, experienced leadership matters. We need board members who have navigated challenging times before, who understand the complexities of public education, and who are committed to working in partnership with educators to make thoughtful, informed decisions. We are proud to endorse him as a trusted partner in our shared commitment to protecting the strength of Tustin Unified, supporting those who work in our schools every day, and ensuring every student—regardless of their starting point—has the opportunity to thrive."
“Tustin’s teachers are on the front lines for our students every day, and I’m incredibly proud to have them standing with me in this campaign,” Abelove said. “Their endorsement sends a clear message: experienced leadership and real partnership matter. We have important decisions ahead, and I’m ready to keep bringing educators, parents and our community together to protect the strength of Tustin Unified and deliver for every student.”
The TEA endorsement comes as Abelove continues to build one of the broadest coalitions in the race, bringing together classroom educators, parents, school leaders, community advocates and elected officials. Their support demonstrates growing confidence in Abelove’s experience and his ability to protect the progress Tustin Unified has made while leading the district through the challenges ahead.
Endorsements include:
Tustin Educators Association
Congressman Dave Min
Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris
Orange County Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento
Allyson Muñoz Damikolas, Tustin Unified Board Member
Lynn Davis, Tustin Unified Board Member
Jonathan Stone, Tustin Unified Board Member
Dr. Greg Franklin, Former Superintendent, Tustin Unified School District
Adele Heuer, Retired Tustin Unified Administrator*
Kristin Simpkins, Former President, Tustin Public Schools Foundation*
Lee Fink, Tustin City Councilmember
Melinda Liu, Irvine City Councilmember
TJ Prendergast, Trustee, South Orange County Community College District
Sukhee Kang, Former Mayor of Irvine
Letitia Clark, Former Mayor of Tustin
Barry Cooper, Former Mayor Pro Tem of Tustin
Pia and Brandon Lewis, Parent Leaders, Heritage Elementary School and Legacy Magnet Academy
TyRon Jackson, Founder & CEO, Operation Warm Wishes*
Soledad Rivera, Community Relations Director, CalOptima Health*
Tammis Berkheimer, 2025 Tustin Area Woman of the Year*
Dr. Frank Gomez, Community Leader
Dr. Nathan Yeargin, Community Leader
ABOUT JONATHAN ABELOVE
Jonathan Abelove has served on the Tustin Unified Board of Education since 1994. A longtime Tustin resident, local business owner and community leader, he has dedicated more than three decades to strengthening public education and expanding opportunities for Tustin students.
His community leadership includes serving as President of Tustin Scholarships, Executive Vice President of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tustin, a member of the Tustin Area Council for Fine Arts and an active member of the Rotary Club of Tustin-Santa Ana.
For more information, visit AbeloveForTUSD.com or follow the campaign on social media.