"Our political leaders will know our priorities only if we tell them, again and again, and if those priorities begin to show up in the polls."
--- Peggy Noonan
With mail-in ballots about to drop for the March 5, 2024, primary elections, voters are running out of time to gather information about the candidates. This task is especially difficult in down-ballot races like the Board of Education with very little coverage given to these offices by the corporate media.
To help voters get to know the candidates running to represent them for the LAUSD BD3 School Board seat, an online candidate forum will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at 9:00 AM. To participate in this Zoom event, members of the public can log on through this link: https://tinyurl.com/NorthridgeEast. To RSVP or suggest questions use this link: bit.ly/BD3_RSVP.
Five candidates submitted enough qualified signatures and paid the fee required to appear on the ballot. Dan Chang, Andreas Farmakalidis, Scott Mark Schmerelson, and Raquel Villalta have all confirmed that they will participate. Elizabeth Badger was also invited using the email address that she has on file with the Los Angeles City Ethics Commission, but as of publication has not responded.
Additionally, Janie Dam has qualified as a write-in candidate. She will also appear at the forum.
The following is a brief description of each of the candidates:
Dan Chang
Ballot Designation: Public School Teacher
Email: dan@mrchang.org, yolimiranda@hotmail.com
Website: www.chang4change.org
Candidate's description of their campaign (First 100 words):
Dan Chang is a LAUSD math teacher, parent, and education non-profit 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.
Dan is running to be the new voice for Valley schools on the LAUSD District 3 school board.
Responses to questions about District issues: None received.
Andreas Farmakalidis
Ballot Designation: Educator/Business Owner
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