
Irene Bustamante Adams
Non-Partisan | Nevada
Candidate Profile
Liberal
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Irene Bustamante Adams
Party
Non-Partisan
Election Year
2026
Election
Primary
Race
Clark County School District Board of School Trustees, District F
Incumbent
Yes
EDUCATION
University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, EMBA, -2007
California State University, Fresno, Fresno, BS, -1999
WORK & MILITARY
Workforce Connections, Deputy Director & Chief Strategy Officer, 2018-
AFFILIATIONS
Nevada Association of School Boards, President, 2026-
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Candidate did not provide
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Candidate did not provide
SCORECARDS
CONSERVATIVE ORGANIZATIONS
LIBERAL ORGANIZATIONS
ENDORSEMENTS
LIBERAL (4)
SEIU Local 1107 Service Employees International Union
United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America
Clark County Education Association
IBEW Local 357 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
OTHER (5)
Armed Forces Chamber of Commerce
Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce BizPAC
A Better Choice for Our Students ABC PAC
Latin Chamber of Commerce
Las Vegas Asian Chamber of Commerce
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
LIBERAL
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (2)
Catherine Cortez Masto (2021)
Steven Horsford (2013)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (0)
SELECTED FINANCIAL SOURCE DOCUMENTS
Contributions and Expenses Report - Report #3 (07/01/2022 - 09/30/2022) from Nevada Secretary of State
Selected contributions/expenses:
- $100.00 contribution from Women's Democratic Club
- $5,000.00 contribution from Clark County Education Association
Contributions and Expenses Report - Report #2 (04/01/2022 - 06/30/2022) from Nevada Secretary of State
Selected contributions/expenses:
-
- $5,000.00 contribution from Clark County Education Association
- $1,000.00 contribution from DNC Pac
- $6,000.00 in contributions from 872 PAC
- $1,000.00 contribution from Nevada Progressives United PAC
- $1,000.00 contribution from Laborers for a Solid State Leadership
- $1,000.00 contribution from G.O.P
- $2,500.00 contribution from Golden Gaming
- $1,500.00 contribution from Boyd Gaming
- $1,000.00 contribution from Smart Local 88
- $500.00 contribution from Nevada Beer Wholesalers Associations PAC
- $1,500.00 contribution from Kirkpatrick for Commissioner
- $1,500.00 contribution from Nevada Power Company dba NV Energy
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Human life deserves legal protection from conception until natural death.
Choose not to answer
What role should the school serve in helping a student with an unwanted or crisis pregnancy?
Did not answer
ECONOMY
Student loan forgiveness unfairly shifts the financial burden to those not responsible for student debt.
Neutral
I understand the concern that broad student loan forgiveness can raise fairness questions for taxpayers who did not take on that debt. At the same time, I also recognize that student debt is a significant barrier for many individuals and has broader economic impacts. I believe any approach to student loan relief should be carefully targeted, transparent, and paired with reforms that address the underlying cost and structure of higher education.
What is your position on government funding of public education from Pre-K through college?
Government absolutely has a responsibility to invest in public education from Pre-K through college because education is the foundation of both individual opportunity and long-term economic growth. A well-educated community doesn’t happen by accident. It requires consistent, strategic, and equitable public funding. From Pre-K, we know early childhood education improves long-term academic outcomes, workforce readiness, and even public health. Investing early reduces remediation costs later.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
With regard to public schools, what does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
As a committed Christian, my faith is an important part of who I am. At the same time, I fully respect that public schools serve students and families from many different beliefs and backgrounds. To me, “separation of church and state” means that public schools must remain neutral on matters of religion. Schools should not promote, require, or favor any particular faith.
IMMIGRATION
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) enhances the safety and security of communities by identifying and detaining illegal aliens.
Choose not to answer
EDUCATION
Abortion and gender-affirming providers, including Planned Parenthood, should be a resource for instruction or services in the school.
Choose not to answer
Consequences for bad behavior create a safe and orderly environment, which is essential for student learning.
Neutral
Every child deserves a safe, orderly learning environment where they can focus, grow, and succeed. Creating and maintaining that environment is a fundamental responsibility of the school district. Student safety—both physical and emotional—has to come first. When classrooms are disrupted by persistent misbehavior, it doesn’t just affect one student; it impacts the learning of every child in that room and the ability of teachers to do their job effectively.
Educators should give students a thorough education in America's founding documents and cultivate American patriotism.
Neutral
I strongly believe that a high-quality education in American civics is essential. Students should graduate with a solid understanding of our nation’s founding documents, including the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the principles that have shaped our democracy.
I support eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and giving control back to states and communities.
Neutral
I support a strong, effective federal government and one that is focused on setting guardrails, ensuring equity, and providing resources, while allowing states and communities to lead on implementation.
If you support the teaching of Sex Ed, please answer the following question: Sexual education should include these topics (list all that apply and add your own, if needed) -- abortion methods and side effects; abstinence; consent; contraceptive methods; human anatomy/the reproductive system; physical and emotional health outcomes; sex acts and pleasures of sex; sexual orientation and gender identity; stages of pregnancy and fetal development
I support comprehensive, age-appropriate sexual education because it helps young people make informed, responsible decisions and promotes their health and safety. At the same time, I strongly support a parent’s right to opt their child out if they do not feel the content aligns with their values.
Please list in order the following priorities in relation to the role of a K-12 public school (omitting any that do not apply): American History, Art & Music, Civics, Critical Race Theory, Foreign Language, Gender Identity, Information Technology, Language Arts, Mathematics, Personal Finances, Physical Fitness, Political Activism, Science, Sexuality, Social Emotional Learning, Vocational Learning
I believe the primary role of a K–12 public school is to ensure strong academic foundations, while also supporting well-rounded student development and real-world readiness.
Public schools should prioritize academic achievement and building character necessary to preserve American traditions and self-government.
Neutral
Public schools should prioritize academic achievement and the development of character necessary to sustain our system of self-government. When I refer to “American traditions,” I mean the foundational principles that have shaped our country: a commitment to democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, personal responsibility, and equal opportunity. These are the values that prepare students to participate thoughtfully and responsibly in civic life.
School choice creates competition, and that competition will push public schools to improve their educational systems.
Neutral
I support school choice within the public school system because it gives families options while keeping resources and accountability within public education. Thoughtfully designed choice—such as magnet programs, career and technical pathways, and open enrollment—can encourage innovation and responsiveness to student needs. In that context, competition can serve as a positive force, pushing schools to continuously improve and better serve their communities.
VALUES
Biological males should be allowed to participate in women's sports or occupy biological women's spaces whether it be bathrooms, locker rooms, sorority houses, women's shelters, or prison.
Choose not to answer
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am a Christian, and my faith is an important part of how I approach life and leadership. I believe that every individual has the right to make their own spiritual choices, and I respect the diversity of beliefs in our communities. My core values are rooted in love, compassion, integrity, service, and treating others with dignity and respect. I try to model those values in my interactions and decisions, starting from a place of understanding and kindness toward others, even when we may not agree.
Government should recognize and support the fundamental right and essential duty of parents to direct their child's health and educational well-being.
Neutral
I believe parents play the primary and most important role in directing their child’s health, education, and overall well-being. Government should respect and protect that fundamental right and responsibility. At the same time, public systems have a responsibility to ensure all children are safe, supported, and have access to a quality education, especially when needs arise that go beyond a family’s capacity. The best approach is a partnership.
I support the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., that people should be judged by the content of their character and not the color of their skin.
Neutral
I believe in the principle taught by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that people should be judged by the content of their character rather than the color of their skin. I try to carry that value into how I treat others and how I think about fairness, opportunity, and respect in both public and private life
Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition.
Choose not to answer
Mental health conditions such as anorexia and gender dysphoria need to be treated, not affirmed.
Choose not to answer
School library books that have literary value, as determined by experts, should be exempt from obscenity laws.
Choose not to answer
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Choose not to answer
ABOUT YOU
Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If so, please explain.
No, I never been convicted of a felony.
Have you ever been penalized for sexual misconduct in either civil or criminal court? If so, please explain.
No
I voted in these primaries and general elections:
Choose not to answer
What political party are you affiliated with?
Did not answer
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to immigration and religious liberty, which of the following best describes you overall?
Choose not to answer
2ND AMENDMENT
Faculty who are licensed to carry and have had ongoing training should be allowed to carry guns at school in order to respond to an active shooter situation.
Choose not to answer
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