Important Details: Reformers Win Big In LAUSD School Board Race

17May
by Leticia Chavez-Garcia

The early elections results came in last night and showed a robust lead for Melvoin against Board President, Steve Zimmer. That trend continued throughout the evening and eventually, Steve Zimmer conceded. Congratulations to Nick Melvoin, who will replace Zimmer in LAUSD District 4.  The race in District 6 was a little tighter between Imelda Padilla and Kelly Gonez. Though Gonez came out ahead, it was very close and Gonez remained optimistic and hopeful that she would prevail. This morning confirms she has won the election.  

In District 4, Melvoin won 57.41 percent to Zimmer’s 42.58 percent. Melvoin received 30,696 votes and Zimmer 22,766 votes.

In District 6, it was a much closer race. Gonez received 13,079 votes, or 51.47 percent, over Padilla, who got 12,331 votes, or 48.52 percent.  A difference of only 748 votes!

“Based on the results we’re seeing, I feel confident that the voters of BD6 have voted to make me your next member of the Board of Education,” Gonez tweeted just after 12:30 A.M.

Gonez also said she was thankful for the overwhelming support of families, students, and the community.

This election was hard fought by all and one of the most expensive school board races in the nation’s history! Outside groups aligned with either the teacher unions or education reformers poured in $14.5 million to influence the outcome of the race. The candidates have spent $2 million. This amount of spending shatters the previous record set four years ago when $7.4 million was spent.

This victory is also historic in that these two will not be up for reelection until 2020.  According to School Board Member Monica García, Tuesday’s winners will serve five-and-a-half-year terms due to the municipal elections becoming aligned with state and federal elections. The next board race is in November 2020.

La Comadre congratulates Nick Melvoin and Kelly Gonez on their victories, and we look forward to great things at LAUSD.

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Leticia Chavez-Garcia

Leticia Chavez-Garcia is a Mother, Grandmother, former Middle School Teacher, former Member of a School Board of Education and an Education Advocate for hundreds of parents and students in the Inland Empire. Having become a mother at 15, Leticia knows what it’s like to be a single mother trying to navigate the education system. Leticia received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science and Public Administration from California Baptist University and a Masters’ Degree in Education Technology from Cal State Fullerton in her 30’s. Leticia has used her knowledge and experience to help hundreds of families as an Education Advocate in the Inland Empire and currently works as an Education Specialist.

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