Kelly Gonez Elected as Los Angeles Unified Board President Nick Melvoin Elected as Board Vice President (12-14-2021)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Megan VandenBos, 818-792-0679                   

Kelly Gonez Elected as Los Angeles Unified Board President

Nick Melvoin Elected as Board Vice President

Board President Gonez is the youngest woman ever to lead the School Board

December 14, 2021 – Kelly Gonez was re-elected Board President of the Los Angeles Unified School District, the nation’s largest school district with an elected school board. Her election last year as Board President made her the youngest female and the first Millennial to lead the Board.

Nick Melvoin has been re-elected as Vice President and Chair of the Committee of the Whole.

Board President Gonez is the only parent on the School Board with young children, and she grew up in an immigrant family in the district she now represents, encompassing much of the East San Fernando Valley. She has served on the Board since 2017.

“I want to thank my colleagues for the opportunity to continue serving the Board and the families of Los Angeles Unified in the role of President,” said Board President Gonez. “Our work is so important, especially as we continue to confront the COVID-19 pandemic. I am proud of the way we have come together over the past year to develop our Board vision for the school district through our Board goals and guardrails, our work around our Federal relief funds, COVID-19  safety protocols, and most recently around our Superintendent search process.”

“I was proud to nominate Board President Gonez for a second term and congratulate her on being reelected to continue her steady leadership during a period of transition for the District,” said Vice President Nick Melvoin. “I am also humbled to have been selected again as Board Vice President and Chair of the Committee of the Whole. I thank my colleagues for their support and look forward to working together to lead our students, families, and school communities into a better and brighter future.”

“I am grateful that a working mother leads our board,” said Board Member Mónica García. “After all, Love is our Super Power & must guide all actions to give our students the support and quality they deserve.” 

“I look forward to working with Ms. Gonez and my other Board colleagues in ensuring that we have stability, transparency, and accountability, and that we are committed to supporting our students, families and staff during this difficult time in Los Angeles Unified and in our nation,” said Board Member Scott M. Schmerelson.

“I look forward to continued work with Board President Gonez and Vice President Melvoin to serve the needs and interests of all of our schools across every part of the District,” said Board Member Jackie Goldberg. “It’s so critical to have consistency in leadership right now and to remain unified and steadfast in our purpose.”

“I’m excited to serve another year with Board President Kelly Gonez, who has led the Board through the development of our unifying goals to improve student outcomes as well as an inclusive superintendent search and unanimous selection,” said Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin. “I’m equally excited to see Board Member Nick Melvoin serve a second term as Vice President, chairing our Committee of the Whole focused on opportunities for more equitable and sustainable funding. Through their leadership alongside leaders in classrooms, at schools and in homes, I am confident we will be able to achieve educational equity in Los Angeles Unified.”

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