Los Angeles, CA – The education workers of SEIU Local 99 have voted to endorse Heather Repenning for the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education (District 5). The endorsement comes following a process that included candidates completing an extensive questionnaire designed by SEIU Local 99 members and a town hall meeting on December 4 where candidates seeking SEIU’s support were interviewed by union members.

“The Custodians, Cafeteria Workers, Special Education Assistants, Bus Drivers and other workers who provide essential services to the students of LAUSD are proud to endorse Heather Repenning for the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education,” said SEIU Local 99 Executive Director Max Arias. “She shares our vision of working to ensure an excellent and equitable public education for every student in the district. Her experience as an LAUSD parent, public servant, and labor organizer places her in a unique position to work creatively with our communities to improve our schools.”

“As parents of LAUSD students and residents of the communities where we work, we appreciate that Heather understands that learning does not just happen in the classroom,” added Arias. “As a community advocate, she knows that issues of hunger, homelessness, immigration, and poverty have a direct impact on the success of our children. Her leadership in raising Los Angeles’ minimum wage demonstrates her commitment to seeking real solutions to challenges facing our communities. SEIU Local 99 members are ready to work to elect Heather to the LAUSD board.”

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SEIU Local 99 represents 35,00 education workers in K-12 schools, early education centers, and community colleges throughout Southern California, including 30,000 custodians, cafeteria workers, special education assistants, bus drivers and others providing essential student services at LAUSD. Nearly 50% of SEIU Local 99 members are also parents or guardians of school-aged children.