Yet Another Challenger Enters LAUSD School Board Race

“I am not bound by traditional thinking and I am willing to explore innovative solutions to improve education.”

– Andreas Farmakalidis

With two LAUSD Board Members having already announced their intentions to retire next year, the races to replace them in Board Districts 1 and 5 were looking to be the focus of next year’s elections. With the advantage of incumbency, this should have cleared the way for the Board Members Scott Schmerelson and Tanya Franklin to coast to reelection in Board Districts 3 and 7. This has not stopped eight challengers from lining up against them, including six against Schmerelson.

The newest entry into the Board District 3 race is Andreas Farmakalidis. When asked to provide some information about himself and his positions, he provided the statement that is printed below with only minor formatting edits. While lengthy, it only provides a high-altitude view of what he hopes to bring to the District. It will be interesting to see the specifics as the campaign continues.

MEET ANDREAS FARMAKALIDIS

Andreas is a proud immigrant hailing from the picturesque island of Cyprus. His journey is one of remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication. Starting with a Bachelor's degree from Berklee College of Music, Andreas laid the foundation for a unique path. His thirst for knowledge led him to earn two Master's degrees—one in Music from Brandeis University and another in Political Science from Harvard University.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Andreas also forged a successful career as a touring musician, and a film composer demonstrating his passion for the arts. Today, he stands as the proud owner of California MusicBox, a renowned music school/studio in Northridge, where his commitment to education and the arts shines brightly.

What truly sets Andreas apart is his deep devotion to his community. His active involvement in various organizations, such as the NVRCC Chamber of Commerce, United Chamber of Commerce, his role as a Rotarian, and his association with Anchor Bell Lodge and California Grand Lodge showcases his dedication to making a difference. Andreas was a pivotal member of the education connection committee, facilitating partnerships between schools and businesses, which significantly expanded education opportunities in district 3. He's also a notable figure in the political sphere, collaborating with the chamber of commerce on introducing and suggesting changes on bills like the outdoor dining, artists taxation, music fairness act, and SBA authorization.

Andreas, a veteran, has received numerous accolades for his contributions to both music and the community, including senate and congressional recognitions. LAUSD is in need of a fresh voice, and Andreas is the proven leader who continually strives for improvement. Behind this dynamic figure is a loving family man. Andreas is happily married to his partner, Alexis Lopez, and is the proud father of one-year-old Mavis. His altruistic spirit shines through in his tireless service to the community, always seeking ways to give back.

“Everyone who is running against me is a teacher. I teach however, I run an education business, who is an LAUSD vendor and we have facility clearances in several schools. Running an education business is not small feat. It requires a deep understanding of the education system, curriculum development and most importantly the needs of the students. What is missing from LAUSD is the entrepreneurial spirit. I am not bound by traditional thinking and I am willing to explore innovative solutions to improve education. LAUSD faces complex issues like budget constraints, diverse student populations and evolving teaching methods. I am a candidate with a business background, well equipped to navigate these challenges efficiently and effectively”.

His collaboration with diverse organizations, alongside his role as a business advocate with assembly members, exemplifies his dedication to fostering positive change and growth. With a rich background in music, education, community service, and military service, Andreas Farmakalidis remains an inspiring figure who continues to make a lasting impact. Join him on his journey to champion progress for LAUSD District 3.

VISION FOR LAUSD

Andreas Farmakalidis' vision for LAUSD District 3 is to create a district that empowers its students and teachers. He believes that every student deserves access to quality education and that every teacher deserves to be supported in their profession. His commitment to equity and inclusion will ensure that every student, regardless of their background or zip code, is represented and supported in the district. Join Andreas on this journey to bring progressive change to LAUSD District 3.

“I appreciate the opportunity to share my reasons for running for the LAUSD District 3 seat. Education has always been a cause near and dear to my heart. Throughout my career, I've seen firsthand the transformative power of education in the lives of young people and the broader community.

In LAUSD District 3, we have a diverse and vibrant community with unique challenges and opportunities. My commitment to this district is rooted in the belief that every child, regardless of their background or circumstances, deserves a high-quality education that equips them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in life.

I believe that we need to invest in our schools, our teachers, and our students. We must ensure that our schools are safe and welcoming environments for all children and that our educators have the resources and support they need to excel. We should also strive for equity and inclusivity in our educational system, so that every child has a fair shot at achieving their dreams.

Furthermore, I am committed to fostering strong partnerships between schools, parents, businesses and the broader community. Collaboration and engagement are key to addressing the unique needs of our district and ensuring that our schools are places of learning, growth, and opportunity for all.

Throughout my life, I've seen how the arts can inspire creativity, foster innovation, and provide a powerful means of self-expression. The arts are not just an optional extra; they are a fundamental part of a well-rounded education. They help students develop critical thinking skills, enhance their cultural awareness, and build empathy by exploring diverse perspectives.

That's why, in addition to strengthening our core academic programs, I believe we should place a renewed emphasis on the arts within our schools. I envision a District 3 where every child has access to a comprehensive arts education, regardless of their background or the neighborhood they come from. This means investing in music, visual arts, theater, and dance programs, and ensuring that our students have access to the tools and resources they need to explore their creative talents.

I am in favor of charter schools however they need improvement. Improving charter schools in California, as in any other state, is a complex and multifaceted endeavor that involves collaboration among educators, policymakers, parents, and community members.

I am running for LAUSD District 3 because I believe that with the right leadership, we can make our schools even better, provide our children with a brighter future, and strengthen our community as a whole. Together, we can work towards a brighter, more equitable future for all our students. Thank you for your support, and together, we can make this vision a reality.

EDUCATION ABOVE POLITICS

In today's political climate, it's all too easy for partisanship to overshadow the critical issues that affect our communities, particularly in education. However, LAUSD District 3 stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that there are issues that transcend party lines and unite us in a shared commitment to the betterment of our children's education. The LAUSD District 3 position is fundamentally a bipartisan role, driven by a singular purpose: to benefit all kids and promote quality education, irrespective of political affiliations. In this district, the well-being of our students and the success of our schools take precedence over any party relationships or ideologies.

When it comes to education, the stakes are too high for partisan squabbles. Every child deserves access to a world-class education, and their future should never be contingent on political gamesmanship. LAUSD District 3 recognizes that, and its candidates and representatives prioritize the interests of our students over political divisions.

A Common Goal: Quality Education

In the pursuit of quality education, we find common ground. Bipartisan collaboration in LAUSD District 3 is centered on key principles that benefit all students:

Equity and Inclusivity: Ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has an equal opportunity to succeed in our education system.

Resources and Support for Teachers: Recognizing that educators are the backbone of our schools and must be provided with the tools and support they need to excel.

Safe and Inclusive Schools: Creating a learning environment where students feel safe, respected, and valued, fostering a positive atmosphere for growth and learning.

Community Engagement: Building strong partnerships between schools, parents, businesses and the broader community to address the unique needs of our district.

LAUSD District 3 is committed to looking beyond party labels and divisive rhetoric. Instead, it focuses on forging a path toward a brighter future for our students. By prioritizing education and the well-being of our children, we are reminded that there is common ground upon which we can all stand.

In an era of increasing polarization, LAUSD District 3 serves as an inspiring example of how bipartisanship can be a force for good in the lives of our young learners. Together, we can continue to champion the cause of education and ensure that every child in our district has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of political affiliation. In unity, we can truly achieve excellence for all.

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Carl Petersen is a parent advocate for public education, particularly for students with special education needs, who serves as the Education Chair for the Northridge East Neighborhood Council. As a Green Party candidate in LAUSD’s District 2 School Board race, he was endorsed by Network for Public Education (NPE) Action. Dr. Diane Ravitch has called him “a valiant fighter for public schools in Los Angeles.” For links to his blogs, please visit www.ChangeTheLAUSD.com. Opinions are his own.