Happy New Year

It's been a busy semester, that's for sure.  My son has successfully completed his first semester at Cal Lutheran University.  My daughter has been promoted to her school's orchestra.  And I almost ran for LAUSD school board.

One week in late October I read that Julie Korenstein had decided she would not seek reelection for the district six seat, and a week later I was driving down to the LA City Elections Office, taking an oath, and declaring myself a candidate.  It's amazing the lengths you'll go trying to buy a little time to make a decision on something as serious as a run for political office.

Four weeks later, I opted not to turn in the petitions.    As much as I want to be able to help the kids in this district, and as much I as I'd like a direct say in what will go on down on Beaudry, the reality is this board seat has been turned into a stepping stone for well-healed politicians, and I don't want to spend the next four months begging for money to try to get the word out.  People already are well aware of what I've been able to do

I feel like my calling is always going to be school choice, but I don't want to worry about what I say or how I say it--offending some group.  There is no lobby for families like there is for apparently every other group in LAUSD.

I've been able to speak at a Magnets & Martinis event in L.A. in mid-December, and I've helped out the great new beat reporter at the Daily News, Connie Llanos.  She wrote a great article on magnet season here: http://www.dailynews.com/education/ci_11327207

The new year promises some of the most severe budget cuts imaginable, so this won't be the last post you see from me.