My experience, from the kitchen table to the policy table, drives my work, deep commitment, and belief that schools must meet students where they are while holding high expectations for what they can become.

I'm Trina Christensen, and I'm running for State School Board District 8. I'm a 30-year music educator who has taught over 700 students in my teaching career. I've taught private lessons and after-school orchestra to elementary, middle school, and high school students. Over the last 30 years, I've also positively impacted the lives of thousands of students and their families through the various music organizations I've been a part of and led. I'm a mother of five, and I've navigated the school system through the lens of special education as the parent of a son who is autistic. I grew up in Taylorsville on the border of Kearns, I currently live in West Jordan, and I work in West Valley City. I'm involved in my community, and I know that the West Side deserves better.

How my dream began

I wanted to play the violin from the time I was in kindergarten. My friend Kristen and her whole family played, and there was something about that instrument that absolutely captivated me. But I grew up in Rose Park in downtown Salt Lake City, not far from the Utah State Fairgrounds — the daughter of a single mom who simply didn't have the means to pay for lessons or an instrument. At Jackson Elementary, I learned what it felt like to have a dream that seemed just out of reach. I'll never forget the day in fourth grade when I brought home a flyer saying I could take orchestra for FREE. That moment changed everything for me.

A principal with the gift of time

From kindergarten through fourth grade, I attended Jackson Elementary School. My mom's best friend's mother was the secretary at Jackson Elementary. I was told that if I needed to talk to someone when my mom wasn't at school, I could go talk to Mrs. Skillicorn in the front office. The school principal noticed that I would come in every once in a while to check in and get a hug from Mrs. Skillicorn. Mr. Gallegos took the time to talk to me and get to know me. He was the first educator who took the time to truly know me. I'll never forget how special I felt that Mr. Gallegos took the time to care for me. Mr. Gallegos is the reason I went into education, and his is the same specialized approach I bring with me to the State School Board. I truly believe in the success of each child, and I know they can succeed.

Serving Students — Not Systems

I will fight for:

• Education that adapts to students — not one that forces them into a one-size-fits-all system.
• Parents who have real choice and are empowered in their child's education — not given lip service.
• Teachers who are free to focus on teaching — not on controlling disruptions.
• A focus on academic excellence — not distraction by social or political agendas.
• Dismantling the tyranny of low expectations.

"My experience, from the kitchen table to the policy table, drives my work, my deep commitment, and my belief that schools must meet students where they are while holding high expectations for what they can become." — Trina

A Conservative Voice — Real-World Experience

I'm a mother of five with a personal stake in our schools, and I'm a 30-year educator in both district and charter schools. I've developed and led after-school programs serving at-risk and struggling students, helping them become academically successful. I'm a national education leader, having served on the Board of Directors for El Sistema USA, and I've been in charge of many international and national symposia training teachers.

I bring extensive experience in oversight, governance, strategic planning, budget management, nationwide collaboration, innovation, curriculum development, and advocating for students on the Hill.

Put me to work for our students, parents, teachers, and community. Vote Trina Christensen for State School Board District 8 on June 23rd!

Some of Her Endorsements

“Unequivocally, Trina is the best candidate. She will protect parental rights, ensure resources stay in the classroom and away from the bureaucracy, and protect the fundamentals of public education.” - Rep. Matt MacPherson, Utah House of Representatives

“Trina Christensen is a solid conservative who stands firmly for parents, local control, academic excellence, and keeping classrooms focused on learning-not politics. Her leadership will strengthen our schools, respect taxpayers’ investment, and protect the principles Utah families care about.” - US Congressman Burgess Owens

“I am pleased to support Trina Christensen for State School Board, District 8. Trina brings a conservative perspective to the state board, and I believe she will stand for the values that I have worked to defend in Granite - placing parental rights first rather than trying to usurp parental responsibility, protecting students from the harmful ideologies and activism rampant in the education system, and restoring basic classical education principles to our schools. These changes are critical to the future of education in our state and the future of our rising generation. Trina is a steady, thoughtful leader who will approach this role with professionalism and purpose. I am confident she will represent District 8 well.” - Kim Chandler, Granite School District Board Member

“After knowing Trina for 10 years, I can say this with confidence: she listens carefully, thinks deeply, and leads with conviction.” - Matt Hymas, State School Board Member

Trina4ut.com

[email protected]

Cell number: 801-205-9417