For Immediate Release: April 14, 2014

Contact: Blanca Gallegos – bgallegos@seiu99.org 213-387-8393 ext. 219; 213-500-9594 (cell)

SEIU Local 99, which represents more than 30,000 cafeteria workers, custodians, bus drivers, special education assistants and other school support staff at LAUSD, has decided not to endorse a candidate for the Los Angeles Unified District 1 Board seat.

The decision comes after a lengthy endorsement process that included informal conversations between the candidates and members of SEIU Local 99, a review of questionnaires completed by the candidates, and a formal town hall meeting where candidates were interviewed by SEIU members.

“Many SEIU Local 99 members live and work in the communities within LAUSD District 1 and many more are parents of children attending LAUSD schools. The future of our schools is deeply important to us,” said SEIU Local 99 Executive Director Courtni Pugh.

“We recognize that there are many candidates in this race who share our goals for improving education inside and outside the classroom and who believe that when parents have good jobs, their children have the economic stability at home that they need to thrive in school. Our decision not to endorse one candidate is, in great part, a reflection of the strong field of contenders in this race.”

“SEIU Local 99 will continue to follow the election and, if a run-off is necessary, we will re-evaluate the candidates to consider an endorsement,” added Pugh.

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SEIU Local 99 represents 45,000 education workers throughout Southern California, including more than 30,000 cafeteria workers, custodians, special education assistants, bus drivers and other workers who provide essential student services and supports in the Los Angeles Unified School District. Nearly half of SEIU Local 99 members are parents or guardians of school-aged children.