Board District 3

Dan Chang

Why are you running for the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) school board? What are your top three priorities that you will advocate for if elected?
As an LAUSD math teacher, I see that it is getting harder for my students to reach their dreams. I am running so that every student can reach their potential! My top three priorities are to: 1) Prepare all students for college and career; 2) Ensure student safety and well-being; and 3) Empower Valley schools by cutting the bureaucracy. I currently also serve as the board president of Valley Charter Schools. Before teaching, I opened 17 unionized charter high schools in Los Angeles with Green Dot Public Schools.

There are many different models of public schools in LAUSD, such as magnet schools, pilot schools, advanced study schools, and non-profit charter public schools. Charter schools are public schools that are overseen by LAUSD but operated by non-profit organizations. What role do you believe these non-profit charter public schools play in delivering education to high-needs students in Los Angeles?
Charter schools offer flexibility and innovation, in exchange for accountability. Charter schools provide students with additional educational options, empowering high-needs students with tailored programs and meeting diverse learning needs. Their autonomy fosters creativity and responsiveness to community needs; many times providing a more personalized educational experience. Collaboration with charter schools strengthens our public school system!

LAUSD enrollment has dropped from 737,000 students in 2002 to 385,000 students in 2022. In the same period of time, LAUSD has spent more than $33 billion building new schools and upgrading facilities. Given this, what would you do to ensure that school district facilities are shared and available to all students, including students that attend non-profit charter public schools?
To ensure equitable access, I'd advocate for transparent facility-sharing policies and prioritizing community needs over bureaucracy. Collaboration between traditional and charter schools is key. Implementing cost-sharing models for facility maintenance and fostering open communication can make partnerships work even better. My experience with successful Prop 39 co-locations at Green Dot Public Schools (Animo Venice Charter High School, Animo Jackie Robinson CHS) and as an LAUSD teacher at the Sotomayor campus, where 2 independent charter schools were co-located with 3 LAUSD pilot schools, has given me the experience to lead with a track record of best practices.

Across LAUSD, where a child lives has often been a strong predictor of academic performance and life outcomes. How would you work with the superintendent, principals, and teachers to ensure that all students are learning?
The school board must work with the Superintendent and the administration to drive equitable student outcomes. This means setting priorities with the Superintendent, providing support, and ultimately holding the Superintendent accountable for outcomes. Prioritizing leadership capacity, teacher effectiveness and a focus on literacy and numeracy can drive academic performance. Fostering community engagement and parental involvement further enhances student outcomes. I’d work with the Superintendent to tackle external pressures like the fentanyl crisis and school violence to ensure every school is safe. Lastly, increased mental health resources, additional funding supports for high-poverty schools, and promoting community involvement can create thriving schools!

LAUSD has increased its graduation rate in recent years, with more than 86% of students graduating. But, only 64% of graduates actually enroll in a 2- or 4-year college, and less than 50% are eligible for admission to the State’s colleges and universities. In addition, the last time the State of California released its data on LAUSD’s College and Career Indicator, only 37.7% of LAUSD students were rated as prepared for college or a career. What actions would you take as an LAUSD board member to address this issue?
To enhance LAUSD's educational outcomes, I'd prioritize teacher support and promote ongoing professional development to elevate literacy and numeracy. Fostering a collaborative environment, building the capacity of school leaders and retaining effective educators is also important. Driving each of these initiatives will lay the foundation for improved graduation rates, college enrollment, and career readiness

Scott Schmerelson

Why are you running for the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) school board? What are your top three priorities that you will advocate for if elected?
Did not respond.

There are many different models of public schools in LAUSD, such as magnet schools, pilot schools, advanced study schools, and non-profit charter public schools. Charter schools are public schools that are overseen by LAUSD but operated by non-profit organizations. What role do you believe these non-profit charter public schools play in delivering education to high-needs students in Los Angeles?
Did not respond.

Across LAUSD, where a child lives has often been a strong predictor of academic performance and life outcomes. How would you work with the superintendent, principals, and teachers to ensure that all students are learning?
Did not respond.

LAUSD has increased its graduation rate in recent years, with more than 86% of students graduating. But, only 64% of graduates actually enroll in a 2- or 4-year college, and less than 50% are eligible for admission to the State’s colleges and universities. In addition, the last time the State of California released its data on LAUSD’s College and Career Indicator, only 37.7% of LAUSD students were rated as prepared for college or a career. What actions would you take as an LAUSD board member to address this issue?
Did not respond.

The following candidates did not advance to the runoff election:

Elizabeth Badger

Why are you running for the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) school board? What are your top three priorities that you will advocate for if elected?
I am running because I want to help make a positive difference in our children’s educational futures. Three of my top priorities are (1) Safety and Security. When students, teachers and staff do not feel safe on their campuses, everything else is secondary. Work to uplift security on all our campuses by working with school police, LAPD to create an overall emergency strategy. (2) Invest in special educational services to ensure our children are treated with educational dignity. (3) Investment in early childhood education with wrap around services, including introducing early math (quantitative) and foreign language curriculums.

There are many different models of public schools in LAUSD, such as magnet schools, pilot schools, advanced study schools, and non-profit charter public schools. Charter schools are public schools that are overseen by LAUSD but operated by non-profit organizations. What role do you believe these non-profit charter public schools play in delivering education to high-needs students in Los Angeles?
Charters play an important role in delivering education to students. They have more: (1) Autonomy which allows flexibility in their operations vs their public counterpart. Many are allowed to tailor academics to better meet needs of targeted student. (2) Smaller Classes benefit students who might need individualized supports. Teachers can develop stronger relationships, thus leading to a higher degree of learning. (3) Due to limited bureaucracy, they have the freedom of creating a more innovative education. (4) Community engagement often have the flexibility to align closely with community partners to address the needs of families (counseling, mentoring and special needs).

LAUSD enrollment has dropped from 737,000 students in 2002 to 385,000 students in 2022. In the same period of time, LAUSD has spent more than $33 billion building new schools and upgrading facilities. Given this, what would you do to ensure that school district facilities are shared and available to all students, including students that attend non-profit charter public schools?
It is important to ensure that ALL of our children (charter and public) receive a quality, safe, appropriate education. Where there is suitable space, we need to address these issues, with sensitivity, comprehensive and inclusive approaches. We should encourage open partnerships to shared facilities. Develop transparent equitable system for distributing spaces based on “real” needs of students. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that each child is allowed to meet their full educational potential. By creating safe and quality facilities, we create a better system. We ought to work to expand their academics, rather than pitting entities against each other.

Across LAUSD, where a child lives has often been a strong predictor of academic performance and life outcomes. How would you work with the superintendent, principals, and teachers to ensure that all students are learning?
Addressing educational disparities based on a child's location involves multifaceted approaches that requires collaboration among the superintendent, principals, and teachers. I will work with the superintendent to ensure that resources, i.e., funding, qualified teachers along with regular professional development, ensure that learning materials are distributed and updated equitably among all schools, regardless of their location. Help implement policies that prioritize schools in underprivileged areas, which might bridge the divide in certain disenfranchised communities. By combining these strategies and fostering a collaborative data-driven approach, it is possible to address the disparities in academic performance and life outcomes across different neighborhoods.

LAUSD has increased its graduation rate in recent years, with more than 86% of students graduating. But, only 64% of graduates actually enroll in a 2- or 4-year college, and less than 50% are eligible for admission to the State’s colleges and universities. In addition, the last time the State of California released its data on LAUSD’s College and Career Indicator, only 37.7% of LAUSD students were rated as prepared for college or a career. What actions would you take as an LAUSD board member to address this issue?
Addressing the gap between increased H.S. graduation and lower rates of college eligibility requires a multifaceted approach. Start by investing in early education to ensure that A-G requirement is less of a challenge. Implement programs to identify struggling students and provide support (i.e. tutoring). Focus on early career exploration, which might help students to understand the importance of education and careers. I would create partnerships with local colleges/universities to create pathways to transition from H.S to college. I believe that taking a holistic approach that combines early intervention, targeted support, and curriculum improvements, we can work towards closing this academic...

Andreas Farmakalidis

Why are you running for the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) school board? What are your top three priorities that you will advocate for if elected?
Access to better education changed my life’s trajectory, so now I’m committed to giving back. My commitment lies in fostering an inclusive educational environment where every child has access to quality education. My three priorities are advancing charter schools to offer diverse educational opportunities, strengthening support for music and arts programs essential for holistic development, and enhancing resources for special education to ensure tailored learning experiences for all. Moreover, I aim to maintain fiscal responsibility to sustain these initiatives, ensuring equitable distribution of resources. Together, we can create a robust educational system that nurtures individual talents while addressing diverse needs

There are many different models of public schools in LAUSD, such as magnet schools, pilot schools, advanced study schools, and non-profit charter public schools. Charter schools are public schools that are overseen by LAUSD but operated by non-profit organizations. What role do you believe these non-profit charter public schools play in delivering education to high-needs students in Los Angeles?
Non-profit charter public schools in LAUSD play a crucial role in delivering education to high-needs students by offering alternative and specialized programs. These schools often have more flexibility in curriculum design and operational strategies, allowing them to address specific educational needs. Charter schools can provide innovative approaches, smaller class sizes, and tailored support systems, aiming to improve outcomes for students facing socio-economic challenges. While oversight is maintained by LAUSD, the non-profit model enables community engagement and fosters diverse educational options, contributing to a more responsive and adaptable education system for high-needs students in Los Angeles.

LAUSD enrollment has dropped from 737,000 students in 2002 to 385,000 students in 2022. In the same period of time, LAUSD has spent more than $33 billion building new schools and upgrading facilities. Given this, what would you do to ensure that school district facilities are shared and available to all students, including students that attend non-profit charter public schools?
To ensure equitable access to school facilities, including for non-profit charter public schools, LAUSD should implement a transparent and inclusive facility-sharing policy. This involves establishing fair criteria for access, fostering collaboration between traditional and charter schools, and maximizing facility utilization. By leveraging existing infrastructure efficiently, LAUSD can optimize resources, promote equal opportunities for all students, and facilitate a more cost-effective approach to education. Additionally, open communication channels and partnerships can help bridge the gap between traditional and charter schools, fostering a collaborative environment for the benefit of the entire student community in Los Angeles.

Across LAUSD, where a child lives has often been a strong predictor of academic performance and life outcomes. How would you work with the superintendent, principals, and teachers to ensure that all students are learning?
To address disparities in academic performance and life outcomes based on location, collaboration is key. Close coordination with the superintendent, principals, and teachers would guide targeted interventions and resource distribution in underprivileged areas. This encompasses adapting educational strategies to community needs, offering professional development for teachers, and fostering community engagement. Additionally, forging partnerships with the city council, neighborhood council, and the chamber of commerce can enhance support. By establishing a nurturing and inclusive learning environment regardless of a child's location, we can advance educational equity and pursue enhanced outcomes for all students throughout the varied landscape of LAUSD.

LAUSD has increased its graduation rate in recent years, with more than 86% of students graduating. But, only 64% of graduates actually enroll in a 2- or 4-year college, and less than 50% are eligible for admission to the State’s colleges and universities. In addition, the last time the State of California released its data on LAUSD’s College and Career Indicator, only 37.7% of LAUSD students were rated as prepared for college or a career. What actions would you take as an LAUSD board member to address this issue?
As an LAUSD board member, my approach to improving college and career readiness involves implementing robust career counseling programs. This includes cultivating partnerships with local industries, offering vocational training options, and expanding access to college preparatory courses. Addressing academic resource disparities in underserved communities is crucial. I advocate for a well-rounded education, emphasizing practical skills, the arts, and financial education alongside academics. By providing diverse pathways and ensuring equitable access, we can elevate students' preparedness for success in higher education and their chosen careers. This comprehensive strategy aims to enhance overall readiness and outcomes for LAUSD graduates.

Raquel Villalta

Why are you running for the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) school board? What are your top three priorities that you will advocate for if elected?
My decision to run is driven by my deep commitment to the future and education of our children. As a teacher and a mother with children within the district, I have a personal stake in children’s success and well-being from a parent’s perspective.

Top Three Priorities:

- Honor Parental Rights and Involve parents in the curriculum selection process with Authentic, Effective Engagement and Collaboration with Parents.
- Increase Student Achievement with Student Focused
- Budget Steward Tax Dollars with Integrity

Important Roles:

- gives Parent Choice
- Provides Innovation and Flexibility
- Allows for smaller class sizes
- focus on specific student populations and tailored programs

LAUSD enrollment has dropped from 737,000 students in 2002 to 385,000 students in 2022. In the same period of time, LAUSD has spent more than $33 billion building new schools and upgrading facilities. Given this, what would you do to ensure that school district facilities are shared and available to all students, including students that attend non-profit charter public schools?
Addressing the issue of declining enrollment in LAUSD while ensuring that school district facilities are shared and available to all students, including those attending non-profit charter public schools, requires a comprehensive approach that strikes a balance.

Facility Sharing Agreements: LAUSD can establish clear and fair facility-sharing agreements with non-profit charter public schools
Fair Allocation of Space: The allocation should be adjusted as enrollment changes to prevent underutilization or overcrowding.
Ensure Safety & Compliance of standards.
Fair Resource Allocation

Resource Allocation: Work with the superintendent and the school board to ensure that schools in underserved communities receive equitable funding and resources.
Professional Development: Invest in professional development for teachers and school leaders
Differentiated Instruction: Support principals and teachers in implementing differentiated instruction
Extended Learning Opportunities: Budget for programs that can help students catch up and excel academically

Early Intervention and Academic Support: Implement targeted interventions to support struggling students, address learning gaps, beginning in the early grades. Provide additional academic support and tutoring to struggling students.
Curriculum & Instruction: Review/update the curriculum to align with college and career readiness, ensuring that it provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge.
Vocational and Career-Technical Education- Create partnerships with local businesses to offer internships, apprenticeships, and hands-on training

About the Voter Guide

This is a nonpartisan guide for candidates running in the November 5, 2024, LAUSD Board election. For the 2024 primary election, all candidates for the LAUSD Board were invited to contribute to this guide by providing responses. The two candidates for each district who received the most votes in the March 5, 2024, primary election are listed in alphabetical order at the top of the page for each district. The responses for the candidates who did not move past the primary election are listed in grey font.

Each response must not exceed 100 words; any responses exceeding this limit are truncated at the 100th word for publication. Candidates were advised to consider their audience when formulating their responses and to clarify any complex terms. CCSA requested that all submissions be meticulously reviewed for errors prior to submission, as CCSA will not correct content, punctuation, spelling, or grammar. All candidates are included in the final Voter Guide. Those who failed to complete the survey are listed with their responses marked as "did not respond."

As a 501(c)(3), CCSA is legally prohibited from endorsing any political candidates. The presence of any candidate's information in this voter guide does not constitute an endorsement.

LAUSD Board District 3 Candidates

General Presidential Election on November 5, 2024