About Chris
Hello, I’m Chris Staples and I’m running for NLMUSD School Board. I’m a husband, parent of three, friend, and business owner living in La Mirada since 2003. I’ve been married to my wife, Cindy, for 26 years. My two oldest children, Katelyn and Allison, have attended Gardenhill Elementary, Hutchinson Middle School, and both graduated from La Mirada High School, in 2015 and 2019, respectively. Katelyn just recently graduated from University of La Verne, BA English, Business Administration minor. Allison is a rising sophomore at Clark University. My son Conner will be a 6th grader at Hutchinson Middle School, enrolled in the Magnet Program. As their Dad, I recognize my children have their own academic and personal strengths with varied interests: animation, writing, reading, art, Legos, science, math, botany, social justice and traveling.
I’ve been in IT Consulting for nearly 25 years, and have had my own business since 2002. When we moved to La Mirada in September 2003, I joined the La Mirada Chamber of Commerce and met many clients, business associates, and friends through my involvement in the Chamber. I served in the La Mirada Chamber Board of Directors 2004-2010, and as La Mirada Chamber of Commerce President 2006-2007. Many small business owners in La Mirada Chamber are involved in Kiwanis. In 2009, I decided to join as I loved how the La Mirada members are so passionate and dedicated. Kiwanis serves the children in our community, and I enjoy giving back through fun events such as Duck Race, the fireworks booth, and the Christmas Shopping Spree. I’ve served on the Kiwanis board for several years and currently, I serve as President until September 2020. I was also a founding Board Member of BEST (Business Education Student Training), originally a partnership with La Mirada Chamber, and now incorporated with the ACE Academy at La Mirada High School. I’ve served on many local committees to benefit our schools. Among them, Gardenhill Technology Committee, PTSA Member at Hutchinson Middle School, NLMUSD Measure G Citizens Oversight Committee Member 2016 – 2017, NLMUSD Measure S Citizens Oversight Committee Member 2018 – 2020, NLMUSD District Advisory Committee – 2020, NLMUSD Superintendent’s Cabinet 2019-2020.
All my community involvement leaves very little time for actual hobbies, but I do enjoy working on home projects and woodworking. I do like to spend my free time helping others and volunteering. I do want to give back and give students the opportunities and support I did not have in my youth.
Why I am running for NLMUSD School Board:
I have been a parent in NLMUSD for 17 years and have 7 more years remaining until my son graduates La Mirada High School. I have always believed that you send your children to your local schools. Education is a partnership between the parents, teachers and school staff. For the past 17 years I have been involved on many of our campuses and it is my belief that if there is something that is lacking or that can be done better, then you do not move to a different school, you step up and make things better. I have always been active at my children’s respective campuses, and for the last several years I have also been volunteering at the district level where I feel that I can help to provide a better school district for all our students.
My goals are to increase CTE (Career Technical Education) and form partnerships with local Community Colleges and Trade Organizations to expose our students to trades and its internship opportunities. I would like to offer IB programs at NLMUSD high schools, and I would like to increase opportunities and options for all of students whether or not they are college bound.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or suggestions. I respectful ask for your vote. Thank you for your consideration.