November 9, 2024 #1 Local News, Forum, Information and Event Source for Venice Beach, California.

Interview: LAUSD School Member Nick Melvoin. The Teacher That Puts Kids First!

By Nick Antonicello

If you didn’t know any better, you would think LA school board member Nick Melvoin was twenty-points behind and fighting for his political life, instead he is the odds-on favorite seemingly coasting to a second-term, but working just as hard to gain the necessary 50% plus-one to avoid a runoff and get back to the business of public education here in Los Angeles. 

But the business of politics can’t be avoided as school members are elected by district, so the part policy wonk, part politico incumbent is working hard, making the case why a second term makes sense for teachers, students, parents and taxpayers. 

For incumbent Nick Melvoin is assuming nothing as he is taking an “all politics is local” approach as he sets his sights on a second four-year term.

A disciple of the Obama Administration, this “new-kid-on-the-block” candidate four years ago took-out then incumbent Steve Zimmer in lieu of a messy I-Pad scandal and a crisis in leadership that saw this new brand of educational leadership that is defined by accessibility, practicality, vision and always, a plan to make schools better. 

Now four years later, Nick Melvoin has played a true leadership role in navigating the school district through a complex COVID-19 crisis that remains on the table, while technology and security issues have come to pass in other venues as once again, another senseless school shooting reared its ugly head in Texas last week claiming the lives nineteen elementary schoolchildren and one teacher. 

With a new mayor assuming office soon, Nick Melvoin has a passion for public education that is demanded in times of political turbulence as he keeps his eye on the prize and that’s kids first and foremost as a custodial trustee of a large bureaucracy like LAUSD. 

We spoke over the phone and covered several issues in a “rapid-fire, short time frame” that spoke to his accomplishments and priorities as he prepares for a second four year term should things go well for him on June 7th

COVID-19

As part of President Biden’s American Rescue Plan that represents $1.9 trillion in direct federal aid, $122 billion was dedicated to COVID-19 relief to the nation’s school districts, yet 93% of those dollars have yet to be spent. 

Because the dollars are one-time and short-term, Melvoin believes the district should be cautious how those dollars are invested. 

“Ninety-percent of our spending is on people. Some funding has different expirations and with a shortage of teachers we need to think hard how these dollars are spent. There is a real pressure to show something for it,” noted the school trustee in another interview with The Wall Street Journal.  

Melvoin explained that the district could seek waivers so the dollars could be invested in programs like Saturday school days and expanding summer school initiatives. 

One district need is the hiring of psychiatric social workers that will be deployed moving forward as he forecasts the after effects of COVID-19 will be long-lasting as the priorities of students diversify from neighborhood to neighborhood. 

SCHOOL SECURITY

The incumbent stressed that LAUSD public schools are safe, and best practices will be applied to maintain a sense of comfort and security within the district’s campuses. 

While stating there is no one best approach, Melvoin supports single-buzzer entry systems and ensuring school police patrols are maintained. Melvoin pointed to the fact that 85% of these shooters are students or former students and alumni. 

“Our best intelligence is from students. We can stop threats by staying in close contact with our kids.” 

SCHOOL TECHNOLOGY

Melvoin  stressed that “physical access to tangible books matter,” and libraries of tomorrow will reflect co-working areas for students as well as a place for collaboration and group projects for students and teachers. 

PARENTS AS PARTNERS IN PUBLIC EDUCATION

Melvoin stated his contact with students and parents is very high, and thanked parents for their service to public schools in the form of fundraising and volunteerism that is taking place everyday in making the district functional and operational. 

Melvoin credited parents and the district’s volunteer network as responsible for hundreds of thousands of dollars in fundraising as well as active booster clubs as a great source of school support. 

“I want to be accessible to parents. My teacher/student contact time is critical.” 

Melvoin dedicates a large part of his Friday schedule to the tune of roughly six hours a week meeting with parents and their children. 

SCHOOL RENOVATION & MODERNIZATION

Melvoin pointed out some $7 billion dollars in bond monies successfully approved by voters and noted that over 100 schools are now 100 years old and safety plays a major role in evaluating renovation as well as new construction. 

The issue of “need versus resources” is always a management challenge, and the dual issue of declining school enrollment has the district rethinking the use of new space in a creative way moving forward in facility planning and construction.

SCHOOL FUNDING

Noting that state dollars are appropriated by attendance and enrollment, only 80% of a student’s education is fully-funded. 

Melvoin indicated he would support lobbying Sacramento for an improved school funding formula. 

COLLECTIVE BARGAINING

The incumbent noted the current collective bargaining agreement has expired with educators and they are currently back at the table to seek out a new agreement. 

Teachers are seeking a two-year, 20 percent pay hike (10% & 10%), and Melvoin wants to reform the process by introducing “total compensation bargaining” that includes salaries as well as healthcare benefits and pension obligations. 

TENURE

Melvoin, long a supporter for tenure and collective bargaining reform, noted that teachers currently receive lifetime tenure after just 18-months of service. 

The former school teacher spoke about his own time as a teacher who was laid-off due to seniority, and not instruction performance. 

“I’m not a supporter of tenure.” 

BACKGROUND

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Nick Melvoin received his bachelor’s degree from Harvard University and graduate degrees from New York University (NYU) and Loyola Marymount University (LMU). 

A former Obama Administration official, he worked on education and civil rights issues as well as equal pay for women. Endorsed by former US Education Secretary Arne Duncan in his initial run for the school board, he has been endorsed for reelection by US Congressman Ted Lieu, California Senator Ben Allen, LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn, as well as numerous Democratic Club organizations and labor unions in his bid for a second term. 

Improved transparency, keeping schools safe and open, while supporting teachers and principals with smaller class-sizes and retaining the district’s most valued educators are his top priorities in a second school term. 

You can visit Melvoin online at www.nickmelvoin.com

Nick Antonicello is a 30-year Venetian who served as an elected school trustee and board president in northern New Jersey (1989-92). A member of the Outreach & Oceanfront Walk Committees of the Venice Neighborhood Council (www.venicenc.org), Antonicello is covering the 2022 race for CD-11 as well as the local school board race. He can be reached via e-mail at nantoni@mindspring.com

Related Posts

New Program Can Help Protect Southern California Homes in the Event of an Earthquake

May 13, 2023

May 13, 2023

Residents Have Until May 31 To Apply For Seismic Retrofit Grants By Janiele Maffei, Chief Mitigation Officer for the California...

Venice Shorts: Tree Trimming Underway Thanks to the Vsa!

April 28, 2023

April 28, 2023

VSA Has Taken up the Task of Trimming Italian Stone Pine Trees. By Nick Antonicello Following the recent toppling of...

Venice Stakeholders Association’s Comments on Traci Park’s Broken Bridge Housing Promise

April 24, 2023

April 24, 2023

By Marc Ryavec I have been struggling with how to address the phenomenon that someone I and many others in...

Column: Tired OF Declinists? Some Enduring New California Positives

April 18, 2023

April 18, 2023

By Thomas D. Elias California has taken a beating lately, with (mostly Republican) governors of other states blasting many aspects...

Venice Shorts: The South Venice Blvd Encampment, Is It a Candidate for a City Cleanup?

April 14, 2023

April 14, 2023

One of the last of the large encampments closest to the beach, Venetians are hopeful help is on the way!...

Venice Shorts: Averill Defeats Tyminski 63%-37% to Become President of Venice Neighborhood Council

April 3, 2023

April 3, 2023

In second bid for top spot, surfer/photographer Brian Averill coasts to an easy win against Venice attorney and outgoing Vice-President...

Column: Install at LAX Tiny Homes From The State Grant

March 31, 2023

March 31, 2023

By Clark Brown On March 16  Governor Newsom announced in Sacramento, his first stop on his State of the State of...

Venice Shorts: Night & Day – Flower & Lincoln Transformed, Back in Business

March 28, 2023

March 28, 2023

By Nick Antonicello In what was a Venice eyesore just a few months ago has been transformed into a place...

Opinion: Please Vote for Daffodil Tyminski

March 25, 2023

March 25, 2023

This is Tom Williams, your neighbor at 1011 Main Street.  With the upcoming VNC election this Sunday, I wanted to reach...

Venice Shorts: Popular Local Jim Robb Seeks Vp Slot, Endorses Brian Averill for President of the VNC!

March 23, 2023

March 23, 2023

By Nick Antonicello  VENICE – In a twist of events longtime Community Officer Jim Robb will now be seeking the...

Venice Shorts: Tabor Family Legacy Amara Hordt Seeks Seat on VNC This Sunday!

March 22, 2023

March 22, 2023

Local realtor looks to follow a family legacy of engaged community involvement here in Venice By Nick Antonicello VENICE –...

Venice Shorts: Erica Moore, A Cheerleader For Venice In Her Run For Community Officer!

March 22, 2023

March 22, 2023

By Nick Antonicello VENICE – Local caterer Erica Moore is making a second run for the Venice Neighborhood Council, but...

Venice Shorts: Running Unopposed, Nico Ruderman’s Deep Dive Into Politics and Government Continues!

March 22, 2023

March 22, 2023

By Nick Antonicello VENICE – It has been an interesting two years of political action, involvement and advocacy for Nico...

Venice Shorts: “V” for Venice Volunteer

March 20, 2023

March 20, 2023

Media professional, local business owner and Dad, Eric Alan Donaldson is defined by his volunteerism and love of Venice. By...

Deborah Keaton, a Consensus Building Candidate for VNC Community Officer!

March 20, 2023

March 20, 2023

Creative director, global brander and private business owner seeks a general consensus on what’s best for Venice moving forward.  By...