Introducing the LCUSD School Board Candidates

Four candidates are running for two open seats on the governing board of the La Cañada Unified School District. 

And while the La Cañada Council PTA will host a Candidates Forum moderated by the League of Women Voters at on Oct. 17 from 7-8:30 p.m., here's a round up of who's running, what they think and why they want the job. The election is Nov. 8.

INCUMBENT JEANNE BROBERG

Broberg is vying for her second consecutive term and fourth term overall, having served on the board from 1993 to 2001, before returning in 2007 with Cindy Wilcox in an unopposed race for two vacant seats. Broberg's eight children attended, and four grandchildren currently attend, LCUSD schools.

Accomplishments:

The district completed construction on multipurpose, bond-funded facilities at and elementary schools and renovations at LCHS.

Positions:

Broberg supports "prudent budgeting", appropriate class sizes, "productive use of facilities," and continued strengthening of administrative and teaching staffs.

Broberg has a campaign Facebook page offering more information on her accomplishments, goals, and platform. She can be reached through email at candjbroberg@sbcglobal.net.

CANDIDATE ANDREW BLUMENFELD

Blumenfeld graduated LCHS in 2009 before heading to Princeton University, where he is a junior. His academic schedule will afford him the opportunity to fly back to La Cañada to attend various events and monthly school board meetings, Blumenfeld said.

Accomplishments:

Blumenfeld founded the non-profit Students for Education Reform, and organization that is present at over 20 college campuses nationwide and focuses in guiding undegraduate students in education reform. In LCF, Blumenfeld is working to organize community involvement in educational progess through his Education Action Committee.

Positions:

Blumenfeld supports improving teacher quality through collaboration and mentorship with established goals, timelines, and regular teacher evaluations as well as greater Board accountability. He supports improved communication between the Board and the community.

Blumenfeld has a campaign website, Facebook page, and Twitter, as well as a blog. His email is Blumenfeld4SchoolBoard@gmail.com.

CANDIDATE ELLEN MULTARI

Newcomer Ellen Multari has already been endorsed by the as well as the La Cañada Teachers Association.

Accomplishments:

She has held leadership roles in LCF PTAs, curriculum councils, and site councils. Multari's two sons currently attend LCHS and he daughter is a student at UCSB.

Positions:

Multari believes in "greater teacher and board accountability to student performance and parent concerns" as well as improved financial clarity at the school board and district levels. She also supports supplemental funding for schools and programs, and would like to provide more "upfront communication" between the board and the community. 

Multari's has an extensive campaign website and Facebook page that outlines her positions and qualifications. Multari's email is esmultari@gmail.com.

CANDIDATE ERNEST KOEPPEN 

Koeppen has been endorsed by  and Assemblyman Anthony Portantino (D-La Cañada). He served two terms as an LCF Library Board Member and is also a member of the LCF Tournament of Roses Association. Koeppen's son and daughter attend LCF schools. He volunteers as a mentor with the LCHS Engineering Club. Koeppen previously ran for school board in 2009.

Accomplishments:

Koeppen is not accepting campaign donations, instead asking that supporters donate to directly to LCF schools instead. With an extensive background in finance, business analysis, and technology, Koeppen believes he can "help the current and future school board effect a positive plan as well as some fresh creative thinking.” 

Positions:

Koeppen believes the community to be the school system's best resource for ideas and action. Along with fiscal guidance, Koeppen supports technology such as electronic books and collaborative software distributed through a local intranet, providing a way to lower class sizes while increasing learning resources.

His website, koeppen.net, will be up and running soon, he told Patch. Koeppen plans to also host a meet and greet in early October, but will be talking to folks outside  and  on weekends starting Saturday. He can be reached through email, ernest@pacbell.net.

Check back on LCF Patch for continuing coverage of the school board race.