LAUSD Voter Guide 2026

Jump to:

• District 2 (map): Rocío Rivas | Raquel Zamora

• District 4 (map): Nick Melvoin | Ankur Patel

• District 6 (map): Kelly Gonez

Look up your district | Leer en español

District 2

Rocío Rivas

1. 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 to protect and build on the academic gains LAUSD students have achieved, including two consecutive years of progress in reading, math, and science across grade levels. At a time of federal uncertainty, budget challenges, and enrollment changes, our school communities need steady, experienced leadership focused on stability and student-centered results. My priorities are: (1) expanding pathways to college and good jobs by strengthening dual enrollment, career technical education, and workforce connections; (2) modernizing and greening school facilities; and (3) maintaining safe, welcoming schools by strengthening coordination and support for immigrant families.
2. 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?
   

   Where a student lives should not determine their outcomes, and closing those gaps requires a clear, systemwide strategy. Building on recent progress, our analysis points to what is working: stronger early literacy, targeted support for students who need it most, stronger foundational instruction, and more consistent support for teaching and learning. We need to continue scaling these strategies and using data to refine them. At the same time, directing additional resources to the highest-need schools, including priority schools and efforts like the Black Student Achievement Plan and Community Schools, helps reinforce and accelerate progress where it is needed most.

3. LAUSD has increased its graduation rate in recent years, with more than 86.5% of students graduating. However, only 55% of LAUSD students are rated as prepared for college or a career on the College/Career Indicator. What actions would you take as an LAUSD board member to address this gap?
   

   Increasing graduation rates is important, but we also have to ensure students graduate prepared for college and careers. We have made progress by expanding dual enrollment and college pathways, with more than 120 high schools offering courses and over 12,000 students completing college-level classes with a C or better. I supported improving access, strengthening collaboration with community colleges, and expanding career technical education pathways in high-demand fields. Strengthening counseling and advising ensures students can access these opportunities and stay on track. By scaling these efforts consistently, we can close the gap between graduation and readiness.

4. 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?
   

   LAUSD serves students through a range of public school models, and charter schools are part of that system. As Chair of the Charter Schools Committee, I have worked to highlight effective practices and ensure transparency and accountability. As a Board member, I evaluate charter petitions and renewals based on performance, student outcomes, and compliance with district and state standards. That oversight is especially important for students in high-need communities, where school quality and consistency matter most. When held to clear expectations, high-quality schools across all models can help expand opportunity and deliver strong outcomes for students.

5. The LAUSD school board approved a new policy related to Prop. 39 which was ultimately not implemented. You can see that policy here. Do you agree or disagree with the LAUSD school board's revisions to their previous Prop. 39 policy? Please discuss.
   

   I supported the policy because co-location decisions should reflect their impact on students and school communities. My focus is making sure placement decisions minimize impacts on schools working to improve outcomes, especially in high-need communities. As a Board member, I apply clear, consistent standards that consider space, program needs, and student impact, consistent with state law. That includes using objective criteria to evaluate how co-location may affect existing programs and services. The goal is to ensure decisions support stability, fairness, and strong outcomes for all students.

6. The Los Angeles Unified Superintendent recommended the Board approve renewal of Gabriella Charter School. The Board voted not to renew it. Do you agree or disagree with this decision?
   

   I supported the Board’s decision. The matter is now under legal review, so I want to be respectful of that process. As a Board member, my responsibility in renewal decisions is to apply clear standards based on academic performance, student outcomes, and compliance with state and district requirements. My focus is ensuring they are fair, consistent, aligned with state law, and centered on student outcomes.

Raquel Zamora

1. 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’m running for the LAUSD School Board after 20 years serving students, families, and educators across our district. As a teacher, counselor, School Attendance Review Board chair, and community member, I understand where our schools succeed and where stronger support is needed. I’ve seen how attendance, mental health services, academic intervention, and family engagement shape students’ futures. I’m committed to ensuring every school has the resources, stability, and leadership to thrive. Guided by deep community roots and a commitment to equity, I will advocate for all students, families, teachers, and staff through strong, accountable public leadership.
2. 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?
   

   I’ve spent my career serving students who learn in different ways, at different paces, and through different strengths. That perspective guides how I would work with the superintendent, principals, and teachers to ensure all students are learning. Academic achievement matters, but engagement, attendance, social‑emotional growth, language development, and belonging are also essential measures of success. I would advocate for flexible, well‑resourced schools; professional development in differentiated, culturally responsive, and trauma‑informed instruction; and early‑warning systems to address attendance, mental health, and family barriers. By honoring the whole child and empowering educators, we can reduce inequities and ensure every student thrives.

3. LAUSD has increased its graduation rate in recent years, with more than 86.5% of students graduating. However, only 55% of LAUSD students are rated as prepared for college or a career on the College/Career Indicator. What actions would you take as an LAUSD board member to address this gap?
   

   To close the gap between graduation and true college‑ or career‑readiness, we must rethink what “prepared” really means. As a teacher, I’ve seen students earn diplomas without confidence in their next steps because they lacked real‑world learning and guidance. As a board member, I would align graduation requirements with meaningful experiences, not just credit completion. I would expand access to high‑quality career pathways, dual enrollment, and industry‑recognized certifications, especially in underserved communities. Readiness is also non‑academic, so I would strengthen support for attendance, mental health, language development, and executive functioning to ensure students graduate truly prepared.

4. 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 play an important role in educating high‑needs students in Los Angeles. With more than 50,000 LAUSD students enrolled in charter schools, their success is a shared district responsibility. I view charters as partners, not competitors. They face many of the same challenges as district schools - attendance, staffing, mental health needs, and learning recovery -yet some have been able to innovate quickly and implement creative instructional models. As a board member, I would promote collaboration, transparency, and shared learning between charter and district schools so best practices are expanded and every student, regardless of school type...

5. The LAUSD school board approved a new policy related to Prop. 39 which was ultimately not implemented. You can see that policy here. Do you agree or disagree with the LAUSD school board's revisions to their previous Prop. 39 policy? Please discuss.
   

   I believe the board’s revisions to the prior Prop. 39 policy missed an opportunity to strengthen collaboration across LAUSD’s public school system. With more than 50,000 students attending charter schools, policies should encourage partnership, not division. Charter schools serve many high‑needs students and deserve equitable, predictable access to facilities and resources. As an educator, I see that charter and district schools face the same challenges—attendance, staffing, mental‑health needs, and academic recovery. Rather than creating barriers, LAUSD should promote transparency, shared planning, and innovation. Implemented thoughtfully, Prop. 39 can ensure fairness while fostering collaboration that ultimately benefits all students, regardless of school...

6. The Los Angeles Unified Superintendent recommended the Board approve renewal of Gabriella Charter School. The Board voted not to renew it. Do you agree or disagree with this decision?
   

   From my perspective, the Board’s decision not to renew Gabriela Charter School was a missed opportunity to support students and provide stability for families. When the Superintendent recommends renewal, it reflects that a school has met academic, financial, and operational standards. Schools meeting those expectations deserve a fair, transparent, and predictable process. Non‑renewal creates unnecessary disruption for students, particularly in high‑needs communities, and undermines trust in how LAUSD evaluates performance. I view charter schools as partners within our public system, facing the same challenges as district schools. When charters are serving students well, continuity should be prioritized to protect learning... 

District 4

Nick Melvoin

1. 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’m running for re-election to continue my work advocating for students and families across LAUSD. I have seen the power of public education to change lives, in my own family, with the LAUSD students I taught in Watts, and with the students I have interacted with every day during my nine years on the board. My top three continuing priorities include investing in supportive programs like tutoring, outdoor education, and mental health; vocally protecting students and families from attacks from Washington; and expanding opportunities in every neighborhood through greater investments in schools and curriculum.
2. 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?
   This has been a critical issue in my career and one of my greatest motivators in running for office. The LAUSD Board is working to provide real support for under-performing schools and ensure close oversight, so that every student can attend an excellent school. We have made great progress on this issue, leading Governor Gavin Newsom to label LAUSD a model for other districts in the state, but there is more work to be done. This is a way to fight systemic inequity, as expanded opportunities in every neighborhood ensure our Black and Latino students are able to thrive.
3. LAUSD has increased its graduation rate in recent years, with more than 86.5% of students graduating. However, only 55% of LAUSD students are rated as prepared for college or a career on the College/Career Indicator. What actions would you take as an LAUSD board member to address this gap?
   We have made great progress on the LAUSD Board, but there is still a lot of work to be done. We must invest in schools and resources in all of our communities, while making sure that parents have high-quality options regardless of neighborhood. I am also a strong and vocal supporter of career-technical education, working to ensure that students who do not go on to attend college have a pathway to the careers of the future.
4. 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?
   I support giving parents opportunities to access all types of public schools, including charter schools. We saw from the rapid growth of charter schools in the prior decade that parents were eager for high-quality options and felt that the District was not providing these adequately. LAUSD needs more successful, innovative models. I’m pro-high quality options for our kids, and I don’t marginalize families who choose outside our system. After all, the District and Board are also responsible for the success of the children sitting in the free to attend and public charter schools it authorizes.
5. The LAUSD school board approved a new policy related to Prop. 39 which was ultimately not implemented. You can see that policy here. Do you agree or disagree with the LAUSD school board's revisions to their previous Prop. 39 policy? Please discuss.
   I disagree with these revisions, and I voted against them on the LAUSD Board.
6. The Los Angeles Unified Superintendent recommended the Board approve renewal of Gabriella Charter School. The Board voted not to renew it. Do you agree or disagree with this decision?
   Strongly disagree.

Ankur Patel

1. 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 top three priorities are:
   • Rebalance district expenditures so they are closer to students in the form of teachers, full-time nurses, full-time librarians, counselors, social workers, and student needs like food and safe learning environments. Away from top-heavy bureaucracy, consultants, and vendor driven technology.
   • Raise academic expectations and aim for excellence across the board. Instead of social promotion, we need to hold more 6th graders back before they enter middle school without basic literacy or numeracy. Expand gifted, magnet, dual language, community schools, special education programs, and experiential learning opportunities.
   • Protect public education from privatization and corporate influence.
2. 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?
   It is our responsibility to provide every student access to quality education and opportunity.
   
   This requires partnership across the entire system and with the community. While working with the superintendent on the implementation of policy, I will stay connected with principals, teachers, school staff, families, and students to understand what is happening on the ground. 
   
   We know that smaller class size, differentiated instruction, individual attention, along with relevant experiential learning opportunities that connect students to their community will help kids learn, increase performance and life outcomes. 
3. LAUSD has increased its graduation rate in recent years, with more than 86.5% of students graduating. However, only 55% of LAUSD students are rated as prepared for college or a career on the College/Career Indicator. What actions would you take as an LAUSD board member to address this gap?
   A diploma should mean a student is prepared, not just promoted. The gap shows we are lowering expectations instead of strengthening outcomes.
   
   I would prioritize ensuring students meet grade-level standards in literacy and numeracy before promotion, especially between elementary and middle school. If students are behind, they need targeted support, smaller group instruction, and, when necessary, the willingness to hold students back until they are ready.
   
   We also need to reduce screen time and refocus on foundational skills. The Board must be honest about outcomes. Success should be measured by real readiness, not adjusted standards or highly curated statistics.
4. 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?
   I’m pro-student and pro-quality education. Any public school model that is delivering strong outcomes for students, especially high-needs students, deserves support.
   
   Non-profit charter schools can play a role when they are transparent, accountable, and truly serving their communities. However, I am strongly opposed to corporate-style charters that lack transparency and operate with less accountability while using public resources.
   
   Every school, whether district-run or charter, should be held to the same standards. The focus must be on investing resources into students, supporting educators, and ensuring every school is meeting the needs of its students with clear accountability to the public.
5. The LAUSD school board approved a new policy related to Prop. 39 which was ultimately not implemented. You can see that policy here. Do you agree or disagree with the LAUSD school board's revisions to their previous Prop. 39 policy? Please discuss.
   

   The court has already ruled that LAUSD’s revisions to the Prop. 39 policy are not valid. As a Board Member, I cannot support a policy that does not align with the law and is likely to be overturned.

   That said, the intent behind the policy matters and I believe the district should have the ability to protect certain school sites, especially those focused on targeted student achievement or community-based programs. However, any such approach must be legally sound.

   Moving forward, the focus should be on developing policies that both protect students and comply with legal requirements.

6. The Los Angeles Unified Superintendent recommended the Board approve renewal of Gabriella Charter School. The Board voted not to renew it. Do you agree or disagree with this decision?
   I would have voted no on the renewal of Gabriela Charter School.
   
   This is not a judgment on the students or families at Gabriela, but a decision based on limited space and the responsibility to prioritize district-run schools. The co-located LAUSD school is growing, expanding its dual language immersion program, and serving as a K–8 community school with increasing demand. It needs that space to continue serving its students effectively.
   
   It is unfortunate that this becomes a choice, but in this case, supporting a growing neighborhood public school that serves the broader community was the more responsible decision. 
   
   

District 6

Kelly Gonez

1. 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 to continue building strong high-quality public schools in the East San Fernando Valley where every student feels safe, supported, and prepared for the future. After nearly nine years on the board, I know both the progress we have made and the work still ahead.
   • My top priorities are ensuring safe and welcoming schools, especially for immigrant families, protecting classroom investments and advancing equity as we navigate serious budget challenges, and continuing to modernize and green our campuses so students learn in healthy, climate resilient environments.
2. 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?
   • Every student deserves access to high quality instruction, regardless of where they live. To get there, we have to focus on what works and ensure it is implemented consistently across every school.
   • I work with the superintendent to align resources around evidence-based strategies in literacy and math instruction coupled with expanded learning opportunities. Through my advisory groups with teachers, principals and students, I get firsthand feedback on how we can deepen support and ensure every school is delivering for families. That input drives my work to support strong and stable school leadership along with coaching, planning time, and professional development.
3. LAUSD has increased its graduation rate in recent years, with more than 86.5% of students graduating. However, only 55% of LAUSD students are rated as prepared for college or a career on the College/Career Indicator. What actions would you take as an LAUSD board member to address this gap?
   • Graduation alone is not enough if students are not truly prepared for what comes next. Closing that gap has been a focus of my work on the Board.
   • I have worked to expand AP courses, dual enrollment, and career pathways so more students graduate with real college and career experience. I have also strengthened literacy and support for multilingual learners so students build strong foundations early.
   • Next, we need to scale these efforts so every student has access. That means expanding high quality pathways, aligning them to real workforce opportunities, and ensuring students have the support to succeed in them.
4. 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?
   • Public education in Los Angeles includes a range of school models, and non-profit charter public schools are an important part of that system. Many charter schools have created strong, innovative programs that serve high needs students and provide families with meaningful options.
   • Every school receiving public funds must meet high standards for academic performance, equitable access, and financial transparency. My approach has always been to support schools that are delivering results for students and to hold all schools accountable when they are not.
   • Our responsibility is to ensure that every public school option truly serves students well.
5. The LAUSD school board approved a new policy related to Prop. 39 which was ultimately not implemented. You can see that policy here. Do you agree or disagree with the LAUSD school board's revisions to their previous Prop. 39 policy? Please discuss.
   • Proposition 39 is clear that charter schools are entitled to facilities that are reasonably equivalent to those of district schools, and that standard must be upheld.

   • I support efforts to address real challenges that come with co-locations, including impacts on space, scheduling, and school climate. Yet prior to Board adoption, I raised real concerns about the policy’s parameters and whether it met the District’s legal mandate to ensure that charter school students are treated fairly.

   • My approach is to improve how co-locations are implemented by addressing operational issues while maintaining equity, transparency, and legal compliance for all public school students.

6. The Los Angeles Unified Superintendent recommended the Board approve renewal of Gabriella Charter School. The Board voted not to renew it. Do you agree or disagree with this decision?
   • I supported and voted to renew Gabriella Charter School based on the full record and in alignment with the staff’s recommendation.
   • I believe the school demonstrated sufficient progress and commitment to serving its students to warrant continued operation with strong oversight.
   • As I have throughout my tenure on the Board, I believe decisions on renewal should be grounded in evidence, fairness, and what is in the best interest of students.