2024 LAUSD Elections

Crunch Time

Potential candidates for the LAUSD have until Wednesday to submit petitions with the required number of signatures to appear on the ballot.

“It’s the uncertainty, the challenge and the willingness to put it all on the line that draws a lot of people to climb mountains. That can also apply to a lot of other challenges in life, whether it’s running for office, starting a family, going to grad school or taking all of your cash and assets and starting a business.”

– Mark Udall

Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash

Since Saturday, November 11, 2023, the 26 people who filed the “Declaration of Intention to Become a Candidate” form with the Los Angeles City Clerk have been collecting the signatures they need to appear on the March 5, 2024, ballot. If the potential candidates pay a $300 filing fee, they need to submit at least 500 valid signatures from registered voters within their applicable jurisdiction. To avoid the fee they can submit 1,000 valid signatures. The deadline to provide the Clerk with these petitions is Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at 5:00 P.M.

In LAUSD Board District 1, Gloria Zuurveen became the first casualty of this election cycle when she withdrew from the race on November 27, 2023. Her withdrawal leaves 11 people intending to run for the seat that Board Member Dr. George McKenna is vacating with his retirement. These include Sherlett Hendy Newbill, DeWayne Davis, and Didi L. Watts, who have already qualified to appear on the ballot.

Incumbent Scott Mark Schmerelson has still not submitted his Nominating Petition as he prepares to defend his Board District 3 seat. However, two of his seven potential competitors, Elizabeth Badger and Dan Chang, have already received enough signatures to qualify.

Board President Jackie Goldberg is also retiring after this term and four potential candidates obtained nominating petitions to run for her Board District 5 seat. Graciela “Grace” Ortiz is the only one who has already qualified.