Strong Schools.
Safe Kids.
Because every child deserves to learn in a safe, supportive environment.
MEETING THE MOMENT FOR VUSD
Amber Thompson Announces Run for Ventura Unified School Board
Families in Ventura are facing real and growing challenges, from rising student mental health needs to difficult conversations about school closures, declining enrollment, and long-term financial stability. Amber Thompson is running for the Ventura Unified School District Board of Education to bring steady, informed leadership at a moment when our district needs both compassion and competence.
With a professional background in commercial banking, audit, and financial controls, Amber understands how to navigate complex budgets, ensure accountability, and make responsible decisions that protect students while stabilizing the district’s future. Her campaign is built on three core priorities: putting people first, restoring fiscal stability, and developing creative, forward-thinking solutions that strengthen our schools for the long term.
Backed by growing community support and key endorsements, including our own California State Superintendent, Amber is committed to working collaboratively with educators, families, and local partners to rebuild trust, improve transparency, and ensure every decision is grounded in what’s best for students.
Her approach is clear: student-centered, fiscally responsible, and focused on delivering real results for Ventura families.
Student-centered safety and wellbeing
Policies that prioritize student mental health, emotional security, and clear response protocols so families feel confident their children are supported.
Strong communication and community partnerships
Open, transparent communication between schools, families, and trusted community partners to address concerns before they become crises.
Practical, solutions-focused leadership
A commitment to thoughtful, actionable policies that keep families informed, engaged, and confident in Ventura Unified schools.
For Ventura Unified School Board
Area 4
What Amber Will Champion on the School Board
Focused leadership for a district at a turning point: prioritizing students, restoring trust, and building a sustainable future.
A Focus on the People
Students come first – always. That means creating environments where every child feels safe, seen, and supported, while also ensuring families and educators have a voice in the decisions that shape our schools. And we must never forget that protecting the future for our kids starts with taking care of our educators today.
Stabilizing Our Finances
Fiscal responsibility isn’t optional… it’s essential. With Amber’s background in Commercial Finance and by aligning spending with long-term realities and prioritizing what directly impacts students, we can restore stability and rebuild trust in our district’s future. Finding creative solutions to stabilize enrollment across the district is a key priority.
Creative Solutions for our Future
We can’t solve today’s challenges with yesterday’s thinking. By embracing new ideas, exploring responsible use of district surplus properties, and working collaboratively with community partners, we can build a stronger, more sustainable path forward for our schools.
meet amber
What families can expect from Amber’s leadership
A parent’s perspective, community experience, and a commitment to students first.
Grounded in Ventura families
Amber Thompson is a Ventura parent with children in local schools. She understands firsthand how school board decisions affect real families… not just budgets or policies, but safety, belonging, and opportunity for students every day.
Proven community leadership
Amber serves as a California State Delegate for Assembly District 38 and as Executive Board Member to the Ventura County Democratic Central Committee. She is also the founder of The Amber Show, a local media and advocacy platform connecting tens of thousands of residents across Ventura County.
A commitment to equity and inclusion
As a long time resident and mother of three, Amber brings a deep commitment to dignity, equity, and respect for all families. Her leadership centers on ensuring every student feels seen, supported, and able to succeed.
Amber’s Endorsements
The strongest endorsements from our California State Executive and Legislative branches of government and prominent local community leaders.
“Amber Thompson is exactly the kind of leader Ventura Unified needs right now. She brings a clear vision, a strong understanding of financial stability, and a deep commitment to supporting students, teachers, and families. Her focus on thoughtful school transitions and innovative solutions like workforce housing for educators reflects the kind of forward-thinking leadership our public schools deserve. I’m proud to endorse Amber Thompson for the Ventura Unified School District Board of Education.”
Tony Thurmond
California State Superintendent
“Amber Thompson brings the kind of steady, proactive leadership our schools need right now, and I’m proud to support her campaign to keep Ventura Unified focused on student safety, family trust, and educational excellence.”
Jacqui Irwin
California State Assemblymember
“I’ve seen firsthand Amber Thompson’s dedication to Ventura and her ability to bring people together around meaningful solutions. She leads with both compassion and clarity, and I have no doubt she will be a strong advocate for students, families, and educators. I’m proud to support her campaign.”
Dr. Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios
Ventura Mayor
The full list of State and Local trusted leaders, educators, and community members who believe in Amber’s vision for strong, safe schools.
California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond
California State Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin
City of Ventura – Mayor Dr. Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios
City of Ventura – Deputy Mayor Doug Halter
City of Ventura – East Ventura Councilmember Bill McReynolds
City of Ventura – Downtown Ventura Councilmember Liz Campos
City of Ventura – College Area Councilmember Ryyn Schumacher
City of Oxnard – Mayor Luis Mc Arthur
City of Oxnard – Mayor Pro Tem Gabe Teran
City of Oxnard – City Councilmember & Educator Michaela Perez
City of Ojai – City Councilmember Rachel Lang
San Diego Unified School District – Board of Education President & CA State Superintendent Candidate Richard Barrera
Oxnard Union High School District – Board of Education President Karen Sher
Oxnard Union High School District – Board of Education Vice President Genevieve Flores-Haro
Ojai Valley Unified School District – Board of Education Trustee Atticus Reyes
Stonewall Democrats of Ventura County President Joseph Summers
VUSD Educator & Local Activist KC Rodriguez
VUSD Educator Rebecca Fassett
VUSD Educator Aaron Miller
Retired Educator & Community Advocate Dr. Kim Marra Stephenson
Pleasant Valley Recreation & Park District – Board Member Bev Dransfeldt
East Ventura Community Activist Marie Lakin
Democratic Central Coast Regional Leader Henry Montalvo
California State Delegate Katie Yant
California State Gubernatorial Candidate Carolina Buhler
California State Assembly Candidate Michael McDonald
Ventura County Community Activist Robert O’Riley
VUSD Parent Michelle Rosenblum
VUSD Parent Sabrina Thompson
Get Involved
Strong schools don’t happen by accident — they happen when communities show up.
- Volunteer
- Host a Meet & Greet
- Join the Campaign
Email Amber
amber@theambervote.com
Community Updates
Updates on the campaign, upcoming meet-ups, and community actions.
Standing Together for Justice and Community at the Government Center
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Presence Is Leadership: Amber Thompson at the Ventura Women’s March
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