2026 Candidates Forum

I was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley. After graduating from Notre Dame High School in 1982, I completed trade school in the Valley to become a certified welder, working in structural steel fabrication before entering an apprenticeship with the Operating Engineers in 1985.

My first job was in Simi Valley, working on the new Indian Hills housing development. I became a Journeyman Heavy Duty Repairman-Welder during an 11-year career with the Union. Alongside my full-time field work, I earned a degree from Pierce College.

In 1995, I transitioned to public service with the City of Los Angeles while also serving as an adjunct professor at Pierce College, where I directed the Welding Technology Program for four and a half years.

Working over three decades for the City, for the past six years, I have served as a Division Operations Manager with LA Sanitation, managing approximately 100 employees and an annual budget of $50 million. 

I have resided as a homeowner in Simi Valley for the past 6 years and love our amazing community.

I have spent my life volunteering in many roles. As a community activist, as a youth soccer coach and baseball coach for many years, a Cub Scout leader, serving on congregation building committees and many other roles. As a Toastmaster Club Officer, mentoring and training others. My life has been dedicated to community and public service.  I am a Simi Valley Education Foundation member supporting our outstanding teachers.

Dr. Stephen Pietrolungo is a lifelong educator and longtime Simi Valley resident who brings 48 years of experience in education to the Simi Valley Unified School District Board. He believes that strong schools are the foundation of a strong community—and that the best decisions for students happen when parents, teachers, staff, administrators, and community members work together.

Dr. Pietrolungo began his career with Los Angeles Unified School District, spending 19 years as a classroom teacher, including teaching agriculture at Canoga Park High School. In 1997, he joined Simi Valley Unified as an administrator, serving as principal of Hillside Middle School and Simi Valley High School.

He spent the final nine years of his career as principal of Monte Vista Independent Study Academy. During that time, he helped transform the school from 150 students to more than 650 K–12 students and expanded the staff from seven teachers to 25 full- and part-time educators. His leadership has always focused on putting students first, supporting teachers, engaging families, and creating opportunities for every student to succeed.

Now serving on the Simi Valley Unified School Board, Dr. Pietrolungo is committed to being a thoughtful, accessible, and collaborative voice for students and families. Even in retirement, he continues teaching horticulture one day a week at Monte Vista and helping maintain its school farm.

Dr. Pietrolungo believes every child deserves to be known, supported, challenged, and given the opportunity to reach their full potential.

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

Jodi Lewis is a lifelong Simi Valley community member, parent, and passionate advocate for students and families. With more than 15 years of community service, Jodi has dedicated her time to strengthening local schools, youth programs, nonprofits, and community organizations. She currently serves as President of the Simi Valley Football Booster Club, supporting approximately 200 student-athletes, and previously served as Board Chair of the Samaritan Center of Simi Valley.

PROFESSIONAL & COMMUNITY EXPERIENCE

Professionally, Jodi brings extensive experience in project management, organizational change, leadership, and collaboration. She has a proven ability to bring people together, navigate complex challenges, manage resources, and turn ideas into action. Her community service has included youth athletics, school PTSA/parent organizations, nonprofit programs, and initiatives supporting local families. She has been recognized with the Simi Valley Community Council Community Service Award, Bank of America Global Volunteer Award, and National Football Foundation recognition.

VISION FOR AREA E

As a candidate for Simi Valley Unified School District Trustee Area E, Jodi is committed to Students First, Strong Schools, and Accountable Leadership. Her priorities include school safety and security, strengthening special education, expanding career and technical education opportunities, supporting teachers and students, responsible fiscal stewardship, and transparent communication with families and the community. Jodi believes the best school board decisions come from listening, collaboration, and keeping students at the center of every conversation.

Dr. Ryan Rosuck is a longtime educator, school administrator, parent, and former SVUSD student with more than 20 years of experience in public education. She spent two decades teaching in Simi Valley, working with students across a range of academic levels and needs, and now serves as an assistant principal.

Ryan is a National Board Certified Teacher and holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership. Throughout her career, she has served in school leadership roles including WASC accreditation work, Professional Learning Community initiatives, and programs supporting student achievement, belonging, and school culture. She was also honored as a recipient of the Simi Valley Educators Association’s Lew Roth Award.

As a candidate for SVUSD School Board, Trustee Area E, Ryan is focused on strong academics, student wellness and safety, support for educators, responsible and transparent leadership, meaningful services for students with disabilities, and ensuring families have a voice in their schools.

As both an educator and a parent, Ryan believes the strongest schools are built through partnership. She is committed to listening, asking thoughtful questions, respecting the expertise of teachers and staff, and keeping students at the center of every decision.