One of the tightest school board races was in the San Diego Unified School District. For the first time in 30 years, a newcomer ousted an incumbent. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.
Psychologist John Lee Evans squeezed past incumbent Mitz Lee to take her seat on the San Diego Unified School Board.
Supporters say Evans' win is do in large part to the support of the local teachers union. But Evans says that doesn't mean he's in the union's pocket.
Evans:
I just told them what I stood for, what my values were, and they decided to endorse me. I really do believe teachers play a central role (in the school system). On the other hand, that doesn't mean the teachers union is going to get everything they want.
Mitz Lee -- who served on the board for over four years -- became a target of the teachers union because she approved teacher layoffs over the summer.
School board member Sheila Jackson says Evans' victory is part of larger shift in the balance of power on the school board.
Jackson -- who won her reelection bid yesterday -- says the change is needed.
Jackson:
When you get to the point where your whole (school board) agenda is 'consent,' then there is no room for public comment. You are leaving the public out of the decision making process.
The trustees will preside over the second largest public school district in the state, with a new superintendent, and a multimillion dollar budget deficit.
Ana Tintocalis, KPBS News.
