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This is a guest commentary from Ama Nyamekye, Executive Director, Educators for Excellence (E4E) Los Angeles:
School Board races can sometimes seem like inside-baseball, but they actually define the leadership and agenda of Los Angeles Unified School District, which serves over 660,000 children.
With that in mind, Educators 4 Excellence and EdVoice recently interviewed both candidates to better understand the different beliefs and objectives they might bring to the School Board. Now that we have heard from both candidates, the voters must decide which leader and approach would best represent the East Valley and all students in Los Angeles.
But, the first challenge is showing up. Without question, the most important people in this election are you, the voters. Here are three reasons Angelenos in the valley need to show up to vote in this year’s school board election:
1. Put the public in public education
It’s not merely your tax dollars that make education public. Voting is a critical way of ensuring that the candidate you select reflects your community’s needs and concerns. Listen to the candidate’s personal story and perspective on community.
2. Be a Vote for our Students
Many of our students are too young to vote in this Tuesday’s election. They are relying on thoughtful adults to advocate for a world-class education system in Los Angeles. We need voters to vote for the candidate who holds high aspirations and standards for the kind of education we offer our students. Listen to what ignites each candidate’s passion for students and public education.
3. Bring New Ideas into our District
As Los Angeles struggle to attract and keep talent in our most challenging public schools and turn around struggling campuses, we need leaders of vision and innovation. Voters will need to choose the candidate who will offer bold solutions to new and age-old problems in our district. Listen to the candidates share their thoughts on what will be their first order of business as an elected School Board Member.
The future of our city—and our schools—is at stake in this Tuesday’s election. The next generation of college students, employees, business executives, and public officials hinges upon the quality of education we offer our young people in Los Angeles. This Tuesday, residents of the East Valley can do their part to ensure a quality education for all students in Los Angeles by turning out to vote for the candidate that represents their community and vision for public education.
LA School Report welcomes a wide range of commentary on issues affecting Los Angeles schools. Those who wish to have their pieces considered should submit their work to info@laschoolreport.com.