About Octavia Thuss
Photo: The Thuss Family with Toby (LCHS 7/8 2023), Patrick (LCHS 2024), and Henry (LCHS 2022), .
Building on Our Progress
My husband Charles and I moved with our three sons to La Cañada in 2010 for the outstanding public schools and have remained here for the community. Our schools are the cornerstone of our community. Through our schools, we make connections, friendships, and create support networks. LCUSD’s committed parents and educators are reflected in the excellent schools, which help to create and sustain the community long after our children have graduated.
I have volunteered for years within La Cañada because of my love of our community and our children. My unmatched experience as both a parent and professional educator and my 30 plus years in or adjacent to education bring a unique perspective among all of the candidates. I have seen first-hand the ebb and flow of trends, mistakes, and successes within education, especially within California. These decades of experience give me confidence in my decision making as a board member who is responsible for making policy and setting strategy and vision for our district. I believe in a collaborative approach to problem solving involving all education partners. I am proud of the work I have done as a board member and will continue to work together with you to continue to make this exceptional school district even better.
EXPERIENCED. DEDICATED. COLLABORATIVE.
Passionate About Education
Education is in my DNA. My grandmother earned her degree in Education from the State Normal School in San Jose in 1910.
Photo: State Normal School
In 1978, I was seven years old when Prop 13 passed. I will never forget that night in Pasadena as I watched the election returns with my parents. It was a night of mixed emotions for them. I was only seven years old but I knew something significant had taken place.
Photo: My childhood home in Pasadena in which I witnessed history in this room as Prop 13 passed in 1978.
The impact Prop 13 has had on LCUSD has been nothing short of challenging. While our community remains extremely generous, we continue to feel the impact of inadequate funding in 2026.
Photo: 2016. Yes, I filled a ton of eggshells to eke out additional dollars for LCE's Halloween Haunt
Years of positive experience in education and witnessing history in the making inspired me to teach. My first internship was with the RISE Center which at the time served Special Needs students. My capstone Student Teaching assignment was as a History Teacher with the American Studies Program in Tuscaloosa.
Photo: My first classroom at the American Studies Program. Tuscaloosa, Alabama
I began my career as a teacher in 1995 after graduating from The University of Alabama with a Bachelors and Masters in Secondary Education. My absolute favorite subject to teach was 7th Grade World History. I left teaching full-time when my first child was born. In 2015, I returned to the classroom as a substitute for LCUSD. Prior to considering a run for LCUSD, I often attended LCUSD Board Meetings to hear the concerns of our community. And of course, now, I proudly attend them as a member of the Board.
I have spent the last 16 years serving within our local community. I received the PTSA Founders' Day Award, an award that recognizes excellence in service by my peers. I have chaired and spearheaded multiple events, while also volunteering where needed. I would be honored to continue my service to our community for a second term on the La Cañada Unified School District Governing Board.
MY VOLUNTEER RECORD WITHIN LCUSD
LCUSD Governing Board Member, December 2022-present
LCE Traffic Safety Committee
La Cañada Elementary School Parent Volunteer
PTA Founders' Day Award Recipient
Coordinator, Art Appreciation Week
Chair, Halloween Haunt Confetti Eggs
Chair, School Directory
School Site Council Member
Halloween Haunt Silent Auction Volunteer
World Fair Presenter
Art Docent
La Cañada High School Music Parents Association, 2018-2024
Co-Chief Financial Officer
Communications Chair
Co-Chair Silent Auction
Measure LC 2020 (Parcel Tax)
Field Team/Phone Bank Chair, successful passage of parcel tax
LCF 4 Healthy Air
Founding member, established out of concern for air quality
resulting from the Devil's Gate sediment removal project
Current member of PCR, LCE, PCY, 7/8 PTA and LCHS PTSA
Continuous contributor to La Cañada Flintridge Education Foundation since 2011
Kiwanis Club of La Cañada, member
New Member of the Year, 2023
La Cañada Chamber of Commerce, member
The Foothills Community Scholarship Foundation of La Cañada Flintridge
Past Executive Board, Secretary
Caroline Anderson for LCUSD School Board, 2020
Led phone bank for successful election to the local school board
Scouts, JPL Troop 509, La Cañada, Adult Leader
Coordinator, Troop uniform/gear
Publicity Chair
Scouting for Food
AYSO Region 13, Volunteer
Assistant Coach
Assistant Referee
La Cañada Flintridge Tournament of Roses Association
Food Tent Volunteer during Deco Week
Union Station Homeless Services
Prepared meals for the Adult Center and Family Center,
GOTSLA (Get Out the Shot Los Angeles), Volunteer
Assisted earliest eligible/medically vulnerable find Covid vaccine appointments