Meet Michele Tsutagawa Ward

Michele Tsutagawa Ward was elected to the Board of Trustees in 2022. She lives in the Village with her partner, Sam, where they raised their two children, Max and Maddie, both of whom attended Carlsbad schools from kindergarten through graduation from Carlsbad High School.

Michele has dedicated more than two decades to public education, guided by a deep belief in the power of schools to create opportunity. After earning her teaching credential from the University of California, Davis in 1999, she began her career in the New Haven Unified School District before returning to Carlsbad Unified School District, where she spent the majority of her time in the classroom. Her commitment to instructional excellence was recognized when she was named Calavera Hills Elementary Teacher of the Year in 2012, and she further contributed to the profession as a member of the California Teachers Association Region 4 Institute for Teaching Think Tank.

Building on her classroom experience, Michele went on to serve as an instructional leader in Vista Unified School District as Assistant Principal and Co-Principal, and later as Principal in Poway Unified School District. In these roles, she led instructional initiatives that improved student achievement while fostering positive, inclusive school communities.

Michele continues her service to public education and has volunteered as a Carlsbad Educational Foundation (CEF) Board Member and Student Leadership Council Mentor. She remains actively involved with CEF, volunteering her time on their scholarship committee. This year, Michele and her partner, Sam Ward, were recognized as the 2026 Gala Honorees for their unwavering commitment to public education and civic leadership in Carlsbad.

Michele has also worked closely with administrators and district leaders throughout California to elevate the voices of people of all races, cultures, and ethnicities. As a founding member of the California Association of Asian and Pacific Leaders in Education, she has championed AAPI communities and their allies. She believes deeply in building close partnerships with community leaders and organizations, understanding that it truly takes a village to support our schools and students.

Michele's career is a testament to the transformative power of dedicated educators and engaged community members. From the classroom to the boardroom, she has remained steadfast in her mission to ensure that every student in Carlsbad has access to a high-quality, equitable education. As she looks ahead, Michele remains committed to listening to families, supporting teachers, and making decisions that reflect the values and aspirations of the entire Carlsbad community.