School Board Candidates To Meet In Online Forum
With the balance of power on the LAUSD School Board at stake, Board District 3 voters will hear from Scott Schmerelson and Dan Chang.
– Louis Brandeis
Los Angeles School Board elections, backed by spending from outside billionaires and unions, are the costliest in the country. Expenditures in these races can easily outstrip those that decide seats on the City Council. With the November election still two months away, candidates have already spent $2,727,962.81 trying to secure the Western San Fernando Valley’s Board District 3 seat.
Unfortunately for voters, they get very little actual information from all the money that is spent trying to secure their votes. Their text feeds are clogged with unsolicited messages while their phones ring incessantly with push “polls” designed to implant negative information about the opponent. Letter Carriers earn their wages delivering stacks of flyers loaded with baseless attacks, vague promises, and questionable biographical information. At least the California Charter School Association (CCSA) has refrained (so far) from engaging in anti-semitic attacks during this year’s campaign.
In an attempt to provide the electorate with the information they need to make a decision, the Education Committee of the Northridge East Neighborhood Council (NENC) will host a Candidate Forum on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at 9:00 AM. The event will be held over Zoom and can be accessed by using this link. Incumbent Scott Schmerelson and his challenger, Dan Chang, have confirmed that they will appear.
While pre-registration is not required, attendees are asked to RSVP at https://bit.ly/BD3_RSVP. This form also provides an opportunity to suggest questions. Questions should be submitted before 8:00 PM on Thursday, September 12. Those not asked during the forum will be forwarded to the candidates so that they have the option to provide an answer.
The Candidate Forum is part of the NENC’s regularly scheduled monthly meeting which takes place on the second Saturday at 9:00 AM. Topics that have been discussed include the delivery of Special Education services, school safety, PROP-39 over-allocation fees, and inclusion and diversity. The committee also provides advice to the Governing Board for Neighborhood Purpose Grants related to education. You can sign up to receive agendas for the meetings at https://nenc-la.org/.
Scott Mark Schmerelson
Ballot Designation: Teacher/Counselor/Boardmember
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.scottforlausd.org
Responses to questions about District issues: PROP-39, Governance, Student Safety.
Meet Scott (from his campaign website):
Born in Philadelphia, Scott was the first member of his family to graduate from college. He earned his B.A. in Foreign Language Education from Temple University, a public university in Pennsylvania. Scott taught Spanish in public schools in his home city.
After coming west, Scott joined the LAUSD family in 1978. He rose steadily through the professional ranks as a teacher at Virgil MS, a counselor at Griffith, and became a principal at Lawrence MS.
Scott retired after leading Johnnie Cochran Middle School for 10 years. Highlights of his tenure include improved test scores, a revamped physical plant, higher morale among students and teachers, and more trust and involvement by parents.
Colleagues and community members urged Scott to continue advocating for public education at the next level, the LAUSD School Board. In 2015, voters elected Scott to represent Board District 3.
When Scott first took office in July 2015, he promised to be a watchdog to ensure that District 3 schools get their fair share of funding. He faced an immediate challenge in October 2015 with the methane gas blowout in Aliso Canyon. He led efforts to relocate schools out of harm’s way to prevent injuries to students and educators.
Scott faced another monumental challenge in March 2020 with the onset of the COVID pandemic, which persisted for over two years. Scott played a key role to rally LAUSD personnel to shift safely to remote work and delivery of instruction to students, to implement life-saving testing to prevent infections and suffering, and to supply resources to students and parents to facilitate online classes for students and other activities. The effective response to the crisis by LAUSD also included Grab & Go food distribution at school sites that nourished hundreds of thousands of students and their families throughout the school district.
During two terms on the Board, Scott has delivered funding to create and sustain the most modern, safe, and environmentally friendly schools in the nation.
Scott has promised voters in 2015 to visit each school in Board District 3 annually. In building and maintaining these daily lifelines of accountability and troubleshooting, Scott meets with principals, school staff, students, parents, and community members to listen to and deliver on each school’s wants and needs.
Dan Chang
Ballot Designation: Public School Teacher
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.chang4change.org
Responses to questions about District issues: None received.
Meet Dan (from his campaign website):
Dan Chang is a LAUSD math teacher and education leader with a 20 year track record of improving schools in Los Angeles. From teaching students pre-algebra to leading ambitious District improvement efforts, Dan is dedicated to seeing students, families, teachers and schools succeed in LAUSD.
Teacher. Dan currently teaches mathematics at James Madison Middle School in North Hollywood. Being a public school math teacher was Dan’s dream job since childhood. A Valley resident for 20 years, Dan brings his enthusiasm, passion and his real world experiences to help students conquer everyone’s favorite school subject…MATH!
Education NonProfit Leader. Prior to teaching, Dan led several improvement efforts within the Los Angeles Unified School District. In 2012, he cofounded the Los Angeles Fund for Public Education. The LA Fund rallied local artists to support LAUSD arts education through its Arts Matter campaign. Also, with the financial and program support of the LA Fund, LAUSD rolled out breakfast in the classroom to every school over 3 years. Dan started his career in public education at Green Dot Public Schools. During his time at Green Dot, he led the opening of 17 high performing charter high schools throughout Los Angeles. In 2008, Dan led the turnaround of LAUSD’s most troubled high school, Locke High School in Watts.
Parent. Dan is a proud father of 3 children. He is a graduate of U.C. Berkeley and the UCLA Anderson School of Management. He is the chairman of the board of directors of Valley Charter Schools. In his free time, Mr. Chang plays basketball and watches college sports.
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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.
About the Creator
Carl J. Petersen
Carl Petersen is a parent advocate for students with SpEd needs and public education. As a Green Party candidate in LAUSD’s District 2 School Board race, he was endorsed by Network for Public Education (NPE) Action. Opinions are his own.
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U.S. Consumers Show Remarkable Resilience Amid Economic Pressures
Despite a challenging economic environment marked by inflation, interest rate increases, and global uncertainty, U.S. consumers are demonstrating a level of resilience that continues to surprise economists and financial institutions alike. Recent reports from major banks suggest that Americans are not only coping but adapting their financial behaviors in ways that indicate both caution and confidence in their long-term stability. Consumers Hold Steady Despite Inflation Inflation has remained a dominant concern for households across the country. Food prices, gas, and housing costs have consistently outpaced wage growth in many areas, placing a significant strain on family budgets. Yet, banks note that the overall demand for consumer spending remains relatively stable. “Despite the persistent economic pressures, our data shows that Americans are maintaining their spending patterns, particularly on essential goods and services,” said a senior analyst at a leading U.S. bank. “There’s evidence that consumers are becoming more strategic with their finances, shifting priorities without drastically reducing their overall consumption.” One key observation is that Americans are adjusting discretionary spending rather than cutting back entirely. Luxury purchases and non-essential items have seen slower growth, while essentials such as groceries, healthcare, and housing-related expenses continue to receive priority. This shift suggests a deliberate effort by consumers to manage the impact of higher prices without completely altering their lifestyles. Credit and Lending Trends Reflect Cautious Optimism Banks are also closely monitoring credit usage and borrowing trends as indicators of consumer resilience. Surprisingly, credit card spending has remained relatively robust, even as interest rates rise. Many consumers are using credit strategically, balancing the need for immediate purchases with a careful eye on debt management. Mortgage and auto loans provide another lens into consumer confidence. While higher interest rates have cooled some parts of the housing market, mortgage applications remain steady in certain regions, reflecting ongoing demand for homeownership. Similarly, auto loan activity indicates that consumers continue to invest in necessary purchases, even amid cost pressures. Banks interpret these trends as signs that Americans are not retreating from financial obligations but are instead prioritizing debt repayment and financial planning. This careful balance of spending and saving underscores a sophisticated approach to navigating economic uncertainty. Savings and Emergency Funds Provide a Safety Net Another factor contributing to consumer resilience is the growth in savings and emergency funds in recent years. While the pandemic initially drove a surge in savings rates, many Americans have maintained disciplined financial habits. Even as inflation erodes some purchasing power, households with adequate reserves are better positioned to weather unexpected expenses or economic shocks. Financial experts highlight that maintaining an emergency fund is crucial in uncertain times. “Households with liquid savings are far more resilient to sudden changes in the economy,” said a personal finance advisor. “This cushion allows consumers to continue spending on essentials without resorting to high-interest debt, which helps stabilize the broader economy.” Regional Differences and Demographic Insights It’s important to note that consumer resilience is not uniform across all demographics and regions. Coastal cities, where living costs are higher, have shown different spending patterns compared to smaller towns and rural areas. Younger consumers, particularly millennials and Gen Z, are adopting more flexible financial strategies, including side hustles, budgeting apps, and investment diversification. Meanwhile, older generations tend to focus on preserving wealth and reducing debt. Banks report that this intergenerational variation in financial behavior contributes to the overall picture of resilience, as each group adapts strategies suited to their circumstances. The Role of Technology and Financial Literacy Technology has played a pivotal role in empowering consumers to manage their finances more effectively. Online banking, budgeting tools, and investment apps provide Americans with real-time insights into spending, savings, and investment opportunities. Banks note that financial literacy initiatives, combined with digital tools, have strengthened consumers’ ability to make informed choices under economic pressure. By leveraging technology, consumers can identify areas for savings, avoid unnecessary debt, and optimize investment returns. This proactive approach reflects a population that is not passively enduring economic challenges but actively seeking solutions to maintain financial health. Economic Outlook and Consumer Confidence Looking ahead, economists caution that pressures such as inflation, global supply chain disruptions, and potential interest rate adjustments could continue to influence household finances. Yet, banks remain optimistic about consumer resilience. “Even in the face of economic headwinds, American consumers are demonstrating remarkable adaptability,” said a spokesperson for a major financial institution. “Their ability to prioritize spending, manage debt, and maintain savings is a testament to financial discipline and confidence in the future.” Consumer sentiment surveys support this outlook, with many Americans expressing cautious optimism about their personal finances. While worries about the broader economy remain, households report confidence in their ability to navigate ongoing challenges. Conclusion The resilience of U.S. consumers underscores a critical strength in the American economy. By adapting spending habits, strategically managing debt, and leveraging savings and technology, households are maintaining financial stability despite ongoing pressures. Banks’ reports highlight that this resilience is not just a short-term trend but a reflection of thoughtful financial behavior and adaptive strategies. As the economic landscape continues to evolve, consumer resilience will remain a key driver of economic stability, offering hope that even in challenging times, Americans can sustain confidence, consumption, and growth.
By Muhammad Hassana day ago in The Swamp
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