[img]2646|exact|||no_popup[/img]
George McKenna, who nearly won the LAUSD special election a month ago with 45 percent of the vote, has won the endorsements of four former rivals, educators Sherlett Hendy-‐Newbill, Rachel C. Johnson and Hattie B. McFrazier and former LAUSD Board member Genethia Hudley-‐Hayes.
The Aug. 12 runoff election pits Mr. McKenna against Alex Johnson, who outspent his opponent by three to one but finished 20 points back.
“Each woman is aware of the issues involved in the day-‐to day operations of classrooms and school sites,” Mr. McKenna said. “We all share a passion for working for the best interests of our students.”
Former District 1 Board member Hudley-Hayes said she swung her support to Mr. McKenna because “George has the history and a track record of working on behalf of students, particularly poor students of color. He will be an independent voice on the School Board. He will work with administrators, parents and students to create the conditions so that all schools effectively educate all students, particularly schools that have been left out.”
Ms. McFrazier, a 31-year LAUSD veteran, said of the two runoff options, “George McKenna has the knowledge and experience to move the district forward. His focus would be on education, not politics. He owes nothing to anyone. So he can concentrate on education and not politics. His interest lies in providing a quality education for our students.”
A teacher at Dorsey High School since 1998 and third-‐place finisher, Ms. Hendy-‐Newbill, said, “Mr. McKenna's experience in the Greater Los Angeles education arena was the determining factor in my decision to endorse him.” As a member of the School Board, “he will enhance the outstanding legacy left by the (late) Marguerite LaMotte,” whose death create the vacancy.
With more than 50 years of experience, Mr. McKenna has worked at all levels of the educational ladder, including classroom mathematics teacher, principal and local district superintendent within LAUSD. Additionally, he has served as Superintendent of the Inglewood USD, Deputy Director of the Compton USD and Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools of the Pasadena USD. In addition to serving on numerous education committees, he is currently an educational consultant, providing professional development and support to school districts and community organizations throughout the country.
