Southern California School Board Candidates Stress Academics and Mental Health Support

Candidates in several Southern California school board races emphasized academic achievement and student well-being. Rowland Unified candidates proposed using achievement data and targeted instruction, expanding tutoring and career and college pathways, and increasing mental-health support; one also called for managing enrollment-related budget losses without cutting staff, schools, or programs. Newport-Mesa candidate Michelle Murphy highlighted early literacy, math, college and career readiness, and safe, connected school environments. Garden Grove Unified candidate Tracy La emphasized mental-health and basic-needs programs, dual-language and career education, support for students with special needs, and transparent district spending. Candidates generally described school boards as responsible for setting policy, priorities, and oversight, with some also stressing community representation and limits on board authority.