Posted by Steven Levin on May 20, 2015 at 6:07 AM

Two of CCSA Advocates's three endorsed candidates in Tuesday’s LAUSD school board races, Dr. Ref Rodriguez and Dr. Richard Vladovic, won their races in Board District 5 and Board District 7, respectively. Unfortunately, our third endorsed candidate, Tamar Galatzan, fell short in Board District 3 and was defeated by challenger Scott Schmerelson. Another CCSA Advocates-endorsed candidate, Dr. George McKenna, who represents Board District 1, did not face any opposition and was also re-elected to the Board in March. 

Gary Borden, Executive Director of CCSA Advocates, said, “We are pleased that Dr. Rodriguez, Dr. Vladovic and Dr. McKenna have been elected or re-elected to the school board. The charter school community – parents, teachers, leaders and supporters – along with help from CCSA Advocates and our associated PAC, the Parent Teacher Alliance, worked tirelessly on these elections because everyone knew how important the outcome of these elections were for all children and the future of public education in Los Angeles.” 

Continued Borden, “At the same time, we are disappointed by Tamar’s loss in Board District 3. Tamar has been a trusted, independent leader for schools in the San Fernando Valley and a strong advocates on the board for all public school students.” 

In Board District 5, Dr. Rodriguez defeated incumbent Bennett Kayser, who has voted against nearly every charter school that has come before the board. Dr. Rodriguez won by a margin of 53.6% to 46.4%. An educator who has operated 14 award-winning charter public schools where college is the expectation for all graduates, Dr. Rodriguez will provide a depth of experience, passion for educating our children and a thoughtful vision on how to effect positive change in the district. Said Borden: “We are confident that Ref will be an excellent leader on the school board to all children in both charter and traditional public schools.” 

In Board District 3, voters elected challenger Scott Schmerelson over our endorsed candidate, incumbent Tamar Galatzan, by a margin of 54.61% to 45.38%. We are committed to working with Mr. Schmerelson to ensure all students within LAUSD have access to attend high-quality public schools.

And in Board District 7, Board President Richard Vladovic defeated challenger Lydia Gutierrez by a margin of 55.9% to 44.08%. Said Borden, “Dr. Vladovic has provided steady leadership on the school board, and we are happy to see him back on the board.”