L.A. school board races head to runoffs as charter backers' clout shows
A push by backers of charter schools to have a bigger voice on the Los Angeles Board of Education appears to have paid off, according to early election returns in three contested races.
The campaign was marked by the emergence of a charter group as the major funder. In one pivotal race — which it was winning — the group went head to head with the teachers' union, a traditional powerhouse in board elections. If charter supporters capture that seat, they would have significantly more influence in board policy.
In the most expensive race, the charter-backed candidate, Ref Rodriguez, was narrowly leading incumbent Bennett Kayser, setting the stage for a May 19 runoff.
"Clearly, the people in the district are looking for change and are ready for a new voice on the school board," said Michael Soneff, Rodriguez's campaign manager.
The two other incumbents, Tamar Galatzan and Richard Vladovic, led in their races. Both also were supported by the charter advocates.
Although final votes were still being tallied Tuesday evening, the impact of the campaign will be felt in the coming months. The seven-member board will select a new superintendent for the Los Angeles Unified School District, deal with a highly troubled technology effort that is under investigation by the FBI and potentially resolve contentious contract negotiations with the teachers' union.
Also at stake is the direction of reforms, including whether charter schools will play an ever-increasing role, and the effect that would have on the rest of the school system.
"One side is trying to bring charters in and the other is trying to keep charters out — so it's important for them," said Gil Hurtado, a councilman in South Gate, which is part of L.A. Unified. "But what's important for me is the best education for the children of this community."
The race with the heaviest campaign spending — and the harshest attacks — unfolded in the contest between one-term incumbent Kayser and Rodriguez. Parent-group leader Andrew Thomas was in third place, according to the returns.
Kayser was supported by the teachers' union; Rodriguez by the California Charter Schools Assn. Advocates. Kayser is the board's most relentless opponent of charter schools; Rodriguez co-founded one of the region's largest charter organizations.L.A. school board races head to runoffs as charter backers' clout shows - LA Times:
