MB School Board vote: You either like the direction of the School Board, or you don't.
Our School Board Election choice is simple: continue on this path or change course. - Council candidates agree.
Our School Board elections have typically gone without a lot of fanfare, but not this year. The Board has had many run-ins with the public which has divided the resident’s opinions over the direction of our schools.
If voters like the direction of the School Board, incumbent Jennifer Fenton, Wysh Weinstein, and Tina Shivpuri are their team. If voters do not like this current direction, Johnny U, Christy Barnes, and Mike Welsh, who call themselves the Trifecta, are promising a return to a focus on Academic Excellence.
Not surprisingly, the City Council Candidates most aligned on their principles regarding the size and role of government and taxation are also aligned on the school board issues and candidates: Amy Howorth and David Lesser are with Team Fenton, and Frank Chiella and Suzanne Hadley are with the Trifecta. (SEE VOTER GUIDES BELOW).
Candidate Wysh Weinstein was the Co-Chair on the committee for Measure “A” which called for an injection of a new parcel tax that was nearly 3 times our current tax. The majority of yard signs indicated the passing of Measure A was a “sure thing,” however it was handily defeated 70% to 30%, clearly showing that people may be pressured to put up a sign for what’s “popular” but will vote how they really think in private.
Candidate Tina Shivpuri's experience has been focused on expanding policies and programs about race with the Equity, Diversity, Social Justice, and Inclusion Committee. The community has split opinions about the power this committee has in our School District which is comprised of non-elected volunteers who are mainly from the same ideology (think Bruce’s Beach Task Force).
Residents are at odds with each other over whether or not contested teaching material on race, gender, transgender, social justice, sex, policing, and BLM taught from one point of view, should be injected into our classrooms.
Incumbent Jennifer Fenton has yet to apologize for sending a Cease and Desist letter to parents who publicly questioned the Board’s decisions on these issues while she was President. Some residents see her action as an abuse of Government authority to stifle free speech, and others applaud Ms. Fenton.
Most recently, Board Member, Jason Boxer posted on his MBUSD Instagram social media account messages about sexualizing children and antisemitism. His posts aimed at children about sex and pleasure included, “Normalizing and destigmatizing the pursuit of pleasure, sexual or otherwise, can send a strong message to children,” and “Ask children to describe sensory experiences (e.g.taking a warm bath), and to explore where they feel emotions in their bodies.” More of his messages can be read in our article [Sexualizing our MB Children].
Incumbent Jennifer Fenton did not ask Mr. Boxer to resign, and neither did the other 3 Board Members. Residents are split on Mr. Boxer’s posts. He took his MBUSD social media account down and many think that was enough, but others think the inappropriate posts are grounds for his resignation.
The conflict in the community appears to give voters a clear choice regarding the School Board candidates: continue in the current direction with the 3 people who have been part of putting our schools on this path, Team Fenton, or change course with 3 new voices who stepped up out of a call for change, The Trifecta.
~by MBStrong
CA ELECTION VOTER GUIDE: recommendations for MB are in RED
This is a highly respected Voter Guide for its candidate research, values and principles. To view their entire Voter Guide for judges, propositions, and more click [HERE].
Disclaimer: MBStrong is not affiliated with the CA Election Forum and is not paid by the company to post this information.
MBSTRONG VOTER GUIDE
Our RECOMMENDATIONS go to the Highest Star Ranking Candidates: Frank Chiella, Suzanne Hadley, Johnny U, Christy Barnes, and Mike Welsh. See below.
To read our research on our candidate star ranking decisions, and our special endorsement for Leadership, please see our full Voter Guide HERE.
Issued by MBStrong. Not authorized by a candidate or a committee controlled by a candidate.
MB CANDIDATES ON TWITTER
Jennifer O'Connell @asthegirlturns
Richard Grenell @RichardGrenell
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS: candidate events
Meet City Council Candidate: FRANK CHIELLA
Wed. Nov. 2nd, 6-8 PM
Location: OB's Pub & Grill 3610 North Highland Ave
FREE TACOS! see website HERE.
Meet School Board candidates: Johnny U, Christy Barnes, and Mike Welsh
Weds. Nov. 2nd, 9-10 AM
Location: 900 Club at 900 Manhattan Ave.
Coffee with the Trifecta!
Disclaimer: MBStrong is not affiliated with any campaign and all candidates have been offered to post their Public Announcements in our Newsletter.
WHERE TO VOTE IN PERSON:
MB has added voting centers:
Sat. 11/5 - Mon. 11/7: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Tues. 11/8: 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Joslyn Community Center Auditorium 1601 N. Valley Drive.
Manhattan Heights Community Center 1600 Manhattan Beach Blvd.
OTHER LOCATIONS: according to lavote.gov
Hermosa Kiwanis Club
2515 Valley Dr, Hermosa Beach
Hours: Beginning Saturday 10/29 - 11/7: 10 AM - 7 PM
11/8: 7 AM - 8 PM
Dockweiler Youth Center
12505 Vista Del Mar, Playa Del Rey
Hours: Beginning Saturday 10/29 - 11/7: 10 AM - 7 PM
11/8: 7 AM - 8 PM
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