Election Information that impacts Culver
City
Candidate
Forums
The next scheduled election in Culver City:
November, 2004
Election for:
2 Seats on the Culver City Unified School District's
Board of Education
You should register (or re-register) to vote AT
LEAST 29 days in advance of an election. You may register to vote 15 days before an election.
Go to the League of Women
Voters Page to get
more information about: how to register to vote, where to get a form (download a form),
and who may vote. Go to the League's Smart
Voter page for up-to-date election information and information about
participating candidates.
updated 1/8/03
• Ask your
candidate whether they would be willing to take the
"Master's in Boardmanship" courses offered by CSBA. This
consists of 60 hours of training over a two year period of time.
• Ask your candidate whether or not they have an individual focus (an agenda),
or, are they running to serve all of the district's constituents.
EVALUATION OF SCHOOL BOARD
CANDIDATES
According to the Internal Revenue Code, PTAs, as tax exempt organizations, cannot support or oppose political parties or candidates, including those running for school boards and nonpartisan slates. This prohibition is reflected in National PTA Bylaws, Article III, Sections a and c. All citizens, however, should carefully evaluate each candidate being considered for a position on the school board. PTA encourages its members to be informed about the issues affecting the welfare, education and safety of all children and youth and to become familiar with the positions of the candidates on those issues. PTA members are not prohibited from running for public office themselves.
All candidates, particularly non-incumbents, should participate in candidates' forums, interviews and other neighborhood and community events. This gives the voters the opportunity to become familiar with the candidates' positions and to observe the candidates' reaction under the pressure of questioning. Incumbent school board members should be constantly observed as they conduct the business of the school district.
The following indicates what to look for in a candidate seeking office as a school board member:
HAS THE CANDIDATE:
• a commitment to public education and its importance as a
foundation for democracy?
• an understanding of the Constitutional principle of separation of church and
state and its relevance to school district policy decisions?
• a position of respect and recognized involvement/leadership in the community?
• an unselfish interest in the public schools, in the community, and in every
child?
IS THE CANDIDATE:
• a resident of the school district?
• informed about school board functions, policies and responsibilities?
• familiar with the schools in the district and with the basic issues facing
education?
• knowledgeable about the role of the school board as it relates to the
administration of the school district?
DOES THE CANDIDATE:
• know the boundaries and demography of the school district?
• know that leadership involves working with and understanding the needs,
expectations and concerns of the parent and business community?
• have an understanding of the legislative process?
• understand the commitment of time and energy required to be an effective school
board member:
References:
"The School Board and the PTA, Partners in Education," National PTA.
"Handbook on Tax Rules For Voter Participation Work by Section 501 (c) (3)
Organizations," Partnership For Democracy, March 1990.
Adapted from the California State PTA Guidelines Notebook March 1992
