Katelyn Brazer Aceves, currently serving as president of the Santa Ana Unified School District Board of Education and trustee representing Area 4, is seeking another four-year term in the November 3, 2026 election. First elected in 2022 after winning a three-candidate race with approximately 37% of the vote, her current term concludes in December 2026. According to Ballotpedia, Ms. Brazer Aceves will face a challenge from former candidate Sylvia Iglesias for the Area 4 seat in the upcoming election, which is officially nonpartisan.
Professionally, Ms. Brazer Aceves works as a Community Resource Specialist with the Orange County Department of Education. Her background includes community engagement, family outreach, and advocacy work with immigrant families. During her tenure on the board, the district states she has focused on literacy initiatives, English learner support programs, student mental health services, and family engagement efforts. On her campaign website, Ms. Brazer Aceves highlights several accomplishments from her first term, including support for literacy coaches at elementary schools, the creation of a districtwide Immigration Support Plan, expanded college and career readiness programs, and voter approval of a $355 million school facilities bond measure.
Ms. Brazer Aceves’ reelection campaign unfolds as the Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD) continues to confront significant challenges. The district has experienced years of declining enrollment, with multiple reports indicating a reduction of approximately 25% to 28% over the last decade. This decrease has reduced state funding and intensified financial pressure on the district. Earlier this year, district officials reported an approximate $187 million budget shortfall and subsequently approved major staffing reductions. Hundreds of positions were eliminated or left unfilled as administrators worked to stabilize district finances and avoid potential intervention from county education officials.
Records from the May 19, 2025 Board Minutes indicate that Ms. Aceves voted to lay off roughly 262 to 286 employees, including approximately 200 teachers and counselors. Critics argue that these layoffs, particularly of younger teachers, have led to an increase in classroom sizes, affecting students and families. While Ms. Aceves has the support of the Santa Ana Teacher’s Union, critics suggest that many older, “overpaid and burned out” teachers remain within the district.
A key point of contention for taxpayers is the $355 million bond measure. Ms. Brazer Aceves voted to place this measure, referred to as Measure “I”, on the ballot. At the July 23, 2024 Board Meeting, the SAUSD Board adopted Resolution No. 24/25-3597, ordering a School Bond Election for November 5, 2024; Ms. Aceves voted in favor. On her candidate statement, website, and flyers, Ms. Brazer Aceves highlights her role in securing this bond. Critics assert that this bond increases Santa Ana residents’ property tax by approximately $400 per year for the next 30 years, adding to financial burdens amidst high living costs. The SAUSD’s annual budget is approximately $900 million.
Academic performance also remains a concern for many parents and taxpayers. Recently reported state testing results indicate that only about 33% of SAUSD students met or exceeded state standards in English language arts, while approximately 22% met or exceeded standards in mathematics. This means roughly two-thirds of students are not meeting grade-level English standards, and nearly four out of five students are not meeting state math standards. Supporters of Ms. Brazer Aceves point to gradual academic improvement on state accountability measures and argue the district is moving in a positive direction after pandemic-related learning losses, noting districtwide gains on the California School Dashboard. However, critics question whether these improvements are sufficient given the district’s persistent low proficiency rates, declining enrollment, and ongoing fiscal problems.
As voters in Trustee Area 4 prepare for the election, they will decide between continuity and change for SAUSD, a district facing difficult questions regarding academic achievement, student enrollment, and long-term financial stability.
