Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
Rocío Rivas Declares Victory In LAUSD District 2 Board Race
Rocío Rivas (right) and María Brenes participate in a candidate roundtable during the campaign for the L.A. Unified School Board's District 2 seat on Oct. 11, 2022.
(
Ryanne Mena
/
LAist
)
Rocío Rivas declared victory Friday evening in her bid for an L.A. Unified school board seat. Rivas leads opponent María Brenes in the race for the District 2 seat, which represents parts of central and east L.A. on the school board.
Where the count stands
At the end of Friday’s counting, Rivas held more than 52% of the vote and her lead over Brenes had grown to more than 4,500 votes — a margin that’s grown steadily for the last week. "I am ready to bring my very best to all of our constituents," Rivas said in a statement on her Twitter account. "… You can count on me to serve our district with unwavering dedication.”
L.A.'s teachers union endorsed Rivas
Her victory strengthens United Teachers Los Angeles’ political position at a time when union officials are in the midst of talks with LAUSD for a new contract. Rivas' win is also a boost for skeptics of charter schools; Rivas has pledged tougher oversight of the publicly-funded, privately-run schools.
A measurable loss for the 'Equity Alliance'
Brenes has lobbied the school board as part of a loose coalition of advocacy groups that want LAUSD to spend more money on targeted programs for schools with the most extreme levels of need. In the past, these groups have also pushed for less-restrictive discipline policies and higher graduation standards. The termed-out incumbent board member, Mónica García, was a reliable ally for these groups — and Brenes' loss means these groups are down by a voice on the board dais.
Rivas won despite being drastically outspent
Brenes’ own campaign out-fundraised Rivas’. Plus, two deep-pocketed UTLA critics — Bill Bloomfield and Reed Hastings — spent nearly $3 million hoping to swing the race to Brenes. The school district’s second-biggest labor union, SEIU Local 99, spent another $2 million-plus on Brenes’ behalf. UTLA spent around $3 million to back Rivas.
Sponsored message
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
