❑Julia Brownley: Brownley’s participation on the school board doesn’t end at the meetings. She is seen at countless public hearings, as well as community events and gatherings that touch on a variety of issues facing the city. For her participation alone, she deserves another term. She understands the issues facing the school district better than anyone, and her commitment to improving local schools is genuine. ❑Brenda Gottfried: Gottfried also has a proven track record. She is deeply concerned about racial bias involved in suspending and expelling minority students. She has taken the lead in helping create a task force to address the disparities in the district. Gottfried also is involved in the district’s financial oversight committee and the district’s strategic plan committee, so she fully understands the issues. Gottfried also was a teacher for 17 years and can offer a perspective on classroom issues. ❑ Shane McLoud: McLoud offers a fresh perspective to the school board. He is a third grade teacher in South Central L.A. By electing McLoud, there will be a member on the local board that represents an active K-12 teacher, which is important when discussing classroom and curriculum issues. His mind is on the students, which is where all decisions should start from. McLoud also understands how to write policy and is passionate about it.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on November 4, 2002. Read the original PDF.