Community Coalition hosted a candidates forum for the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education District 1 on Oct. 3. In collaboration with key community partners, candidates discussed their educational priorities and plans for addressing issues that impact students and families, especially in high-need communities.
A large audience of concerned students and parents learned about each candidate’s proposals, their positions on a myriad of issues facing the district—including the Student Equity Needs Index, Black Student Achievement Plan (BSAP), as well as staffing gaps and initiatives.
Moderated by Sharhonda Bossier from EdLoC, Sherlett Hendy Newbill, an educator with extensive high school experience, and Kahllid Al-Alim, a longtime community activist and parent, spent an hour and a half sharing their views and plans if elected.
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As the forum progressed, it became clear that the candidates had differing philosophies on how to approach education reform. Newbill passionately advocated for increased funding for after-school programs, emphasizing that access to additional learning opportunities was crucial for underserved students.
“We need to create an environment where every student feels safe and supported, not just academically but emotionally,” she said, her voice resonating through CoCo’s Peoples Hall.
Al-Alim countered, arguing that the focus should be on systemic changes to the curriculum and addressing the disproportionate discipline practices affecting Black students.
“Our children are not problems to be managed; they have futures that need to be nurtured. We must overhaul the systems that marginalize them and introduce programs like Youth Workforce Development that helps them secures not just jobs, but careers,” he asserted, drawing applause from the audience.
The questions from the community reflected the urgency of the issues at hand. One parent asked about the candidates’ plans for tackling the persistent teacher shortages that have left many classrooms overcrowded and under-resourced.
Newbill outlined her strategy for attracting and retaining teachers, including providing competitive salaries and robust professional development opportunities. Al-Alim echoed the need for better compensation but added that it was equally important to foster a positive school culture that valued teachers’ contributions.
The evening took a pivotal turn when both candidates answered questions regarding protecting equity funding and implementing programming to close the black student achievement gap. Both candidates pledged their commitment to making sure the equity dollars were distributed to the intending schools, students and programs,
Drawing the forum to a close, Bossier opened the floor for closing statements. Newbill promised to amplify student voices in decision-making processes. Al-Alim concluded by telling audience members they should not believe everything they have heard regarding his campaign. He said he was the person to lead the change needed on LAUSD’s Board.
Community Coalition’s partners for the forum included Communities In Schools of Los Angeles, Alliance for a Better Community, Innovate Public Schools, City Year Los Angeles, EdLoc, Ed Trust-West, Expand LA, KIPP SoCal, LA Coalition for Excellent Public Schools, and the Partnership for Los Angeles Schools.
