Simi Valley Board Candidates Held Forums

Candidates for the Simi Valley Unified School District board presented their platforms at two recent public events.

Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Administration

Bold vector editorial illustration of a stylized school building and a book on a bench, representing local educational leadership forums. — Candidates for the Simi Valley Unified School District board shared their qualifications and platforms at two community forums last week. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you prefer school board candidates with a background in business over those with classroom experience?

Four candidates running for the Simi Valley Unified School District board seat shared their qualifications and goals at forums hosted by the Chamber of Commerce and the PTA Council. The sessions highlighted the professional backgrounds of those seeking to represent Areas D and E.

Why it matters

These forums provided voters with the opportunity to evaluate the professional experience and leadership capabilities of the candidates before the upcoming election. The events allowed residents to directly question those who may influence the district's future policies and fiscal management.

Candidates include Stephen Pietrolungo and James Greenfield for Area D, and Jodi Lewis and Ryan Rosuck for Area E. Qualifications range from Pietrolungo’s 48 years in education to Lewis’s 26 years of business experience.

The players

Stephen Pietrolungo

He is a candidate for the Area D board seat with 48 years of professional experience in education.

James Greenfield

He is a candidate for the Area D board seat who currently manages a division of LA Sanitation.

Jodi Lewis

She is an Area E board candidate who brings 26 years of business experience to the race.

Ryan Rosuck

He is a candidate for the Area E board seat with a background of 22 years in public education.

The details

Stephen Pietrolungo highlighted his 48-year career in education and 46-year residency in Simi Valley, while opponent James Greenfield noted his management of a $50 million budget at LA Sanitation. For Area E, Ryan Rosuck emphasized 22 years in public education, while Jodi Lewis touted her business background and history of delivering 180 change initiatives.

The Chamber of Commerce hosted a candidate forum on September 30, 2026.
The PTA Council held a second candidate forum on October 5, 2026.

Culture Shift

These forums reflect a growing trend toward community-led candidate vetting in California school board elections. This approach prioritizes direct voter access and transparency, moving away from distant campaigns to local, issue-focused debates.

Residents can use the information gathered at these events to refine their voting decisions for the upcoming board election. By understanding the fiscal and professional backgrounds of each candidate, voters can better assess which individuals align with their expectations for the school district.

The takeaway

Voters should review the specific professional credentials presented by the candidates to understand their potential impact on board operations. Attending or reviewing summaries of such forums is the most effective way for community members to prepare for the ballot.