.png)
Elected to the Newport Mesa Unified Board of Trustees in 2020 and voted as Board President for 2024, Carol Crane's journey in public service is deeply rooted in her personal experiences and values. Born into a family that sought refuge from the civil war in Lebanon, Carol's early years were shaped by challenges of uncertainty. In 1975, at the age of 12, her family decided to make America their new home and began their path towards U.S. citizenship. This transformative moment formed Carol's appreciation for the freedoms, safety, and opportunities offered by the United States, shaping her commitment to serving her community.
For three decades, Carol and her family have been deeply involved in Costa Mesa and Newport Beach. She and her husband Gary raised their three children, Tess (31) Jason (29) and Hannah (26), in the Newport Mesa Unified School District. All three children attended district schools, including Eastbluff Elementary School and Corona del Mar High School, where they received a strong education that prepared them for future success.
MEET CAROL CRANE
Carol earned a double major in political science and French literature from UC Santa Barbara, as well as a teaching credential from UC Irvine. She gained classroom experience through intern teaching at Estancia High School and later taught the social science GATE program at Venado Middle School in Irvine. She retired in 1997 from teaching and became a full-time mom and a tireless volunteer. Missing the classroom, she was drawn back to teaching for five years at Tarbut V’ Torah Community Day School in Irvine. There, she taught the social science curriculum including a Middle East Conflict class- a topic she is most familiar with!
​
The Newport Mesa Unified School District is home to some of the nation's top-performing schools, playing a pivotal role in shaping the minds of the next generation. As Trustee President, Carol Crane has made it her mission to uphold and elevate these standards while ensuring fiscal responsibility.
The role of a school board trustee has never been more important and Carol’s commitment to student advocacy, community engagement, fiscal responsibility and leadership accountability is exactly why she is the community’s trusted choice.