It’s almost time to vote! As you do your democracy homework and decide how to vote up and down the ballot on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, voting for union candidates can help ensure that decisions at every level represent our collective priorities and the needs of our school communities.
SDEA Endorsements for November 5, 2024
SDUSD School Board
- District A: Sabrina Bazzo
- Supports higher math/science standards, expanded summer school, and smaller class sizes
- Education is more than a test score
- Mental health counseling, after-school enrichment, & nutritious meals
- Supporting this campaign has been a main area of focus since the opponent is much less labor-friendly!
- District D: Richard Barrera
- Friendly incumbent, running unopposed
- District E: Sharon Whitehurst-Payne
- Friendly incumbent, running unopposed
Local Measures
- YES on Measure C: Clean Elections for SDUSD School Board
- With 2 or fewer candidates, election would only occur in general election
- More voter participation, more diverse voters
- Would save district lots of money which can be used to hire educators & support
- YES on Measure G: Let’s Go San Diego
- 12% of revenue funds affordable fares for seniors and students
- Would extend Youth Opportunity Pass Program
City of San Diego
- Mayor: Todd Gloria
- Plans to drive change on homeless shelters
- Recognizes need to improve the city’s infrastructure as communities of color are disproportionately affected
- Interested in collaborating on housing for both staff and families
- City Council, District 9: Sean Elo-Rivera
- Strong position on housing
- Major proponent of community schools
- Believes in strong partnership between city, District, & SDEA to increase services to students and communities
- City Council, District 3: Colleen Cusack
- Equity-oriented housing solutions
- Genuine care for most vulnerable students
- Record of standing up for least advantaged
San Diego County
- County Board of Supervisors, District 3: Terra Lawson-Remer
- Wants to partner with schools to improve behavioral health services
- Proponent of increased public affordable housing
- Leading the way on gun safety laws
Union Recommendations Beyond San Diego
While SDEA endorsements are focused on local races, you can vote union up and down your ballot. Our statewide affiliate, CTA, has statewide recommendations.
- CTA Voter Guide: Put in your address to see CTA recommendations for your ballot
- Read more about CTA recommendations and their process here
- If you live and vote outside San Diego Unified, see School Board recommendations from other local unions here
Flex Your Democracy Muscles! 3 Actions:
- Make your plan to vote! Every active registered voter in San Diego County will receive a ballot in the mail the week of October 6, 2024. See information and check your registration at sdvote.com.
- Support local labor candidates by getting the word out! Schools in District A will get flyers to distribute supporting Sabrina Bazzo, and all are invited to a Labor Council Walk on November 3rd, to support Sabrina and other labor candidates.
- Stay active in the democratic structure of your union! There are many ways to make sure your voice is involved in SDEA: Give input on the bargaining platform, attend your site meetings, participate in the Political Involvement Committee (PIC), and more.
SDEA Endorsement Process:
The political endorsement process is driven by SDEA members and their democratically elected leaders:
- All SDEA members have the chance to vote in elections for leaders to represent them, which includes their site representatives and the Board.
- Members can also sign up to be part of the Political Involvement Committee (PIC). Membership is approved by the Board. This group researches which candidates, measures, and issues SDEA should support, and brings those recommendations to the Political Action Committee (PAC), who are the elected Board members dedicated to political engagement.
- The final list of suggested endorsements is brought to Rep Council to vote whether or not to approve them.
- Once endorsements are finalized, the PIC organizes a campaign plan to support endorsed candidates and measures. (For example, organizing precinct walks, leaflets, etc.)
