By Robert Zirgulis
Re “Parents Union Unveils Its Two Endorsements for the School Board”
[Editor’s Note: At the writer’s request, this pre-posted letter was withheld until after yesterday’s announcement by United Parents of Culver City that the union was endorsing School Board President Kathy Paspalis and former UPCC President Steve Levin for the November School Board election.]
I was told not to go to the United Parents Culver City School Board candidates’ endorsement interview because it would be a “sham endorsement interview” where the candidates had already been pre-selected.
I was told that the leaders were in the tank for Kathy Paspalis and that they had told Paspalis in a podcast that they wanted her to win.
I was also told that Steve Levin, the past president of United Parents Culver City, stepped down from the presidency so it would not appear to be a conflict of interest if he ran.
I can't speak for (School Board member) Patricia Siever, but I suspect that is why she may have not gone to the interview.
I went to the interview anyway. I openly expressed my concerns about what I had been told.
Now don't get me wrong. I am not against the United Parents Culver City. I think all the members want what's best for our students. I agree parents have a right to demand and have a say in what members of the School Board do that is best for our students.
I would like to see more participation from the parents of the out-of-district permit students who comprise 20 percent of the students attending CCUSD.
I have a suggestion for United Parents Culver City. I think it would be a great idea to sponsor an open candidate forum and debate so all their members could get a chance to see the candidates running for School Board.
As of this date, I have not officially decided to run for School Board. However, I have asked the editor to hold this letter and publish it in conjunction when United Parents Culver City announces their pre-selected endorsement of Kathy Paspalis, Steve Levin, and Karlo Silbiger. If I am wrong about this prediction, I will have egg on my face.
Mr. Zirgulis may be contacted at zirgulisr@yahoo.com
