Local leaders in the education field have announced their endorsement of Bonnie Lowenthal for State Assembly, noting that her years as a reformer school board member, college-level instructor and education consultant make her the most effective advocate for the children of the 54th District.
“Even in these trying economic times, I am confident that Bonnie will make the schools a top priority when she gets to Sacramento, and I look forward to working with her on behalf of California’s students,” said Dora de la Rosa, one of four Palos Verdes Peninsula school board members pledging their support for Lowenthal.
Others endorsing Lowenthal include three Long Beach Unified School District board members, Long Beach Superintendent Chris Steinhauser, three Long Beach City College trustees and Los Angeles Unified School District board member Richard Vladovic.
In addition, a number of teacher organizations are backing Lowenthal, including the California Federation of Teachers, the California Teachers Association, the Teachers Association of Long Beach and the California Faculty Association.
Before assuming her current position on the Long Beach City Council, Lowenthal served seven years on the Long Beach Unified School District Board of Education, helping to lay the foundation for significant reforms that led to the district being named “the best urban school district in America” by the Broad Foundation.
Lowenthal was a leader in reform efforts to turn Long Beach schools around, resulting in improved test scores, lower dropout rates and higher numbers of graduates continuing on to college. During Lowenthal’s tenure, the board created innovative new magnet programs, reduced class size, built new schools, involved parents as volunteers and engaged the business community to improve job training.
In addition to serving on the board, Lowenthal has taught education, child development and workforce skills at California State University, Long Beach, and Long Beach City College. She also has served as a consultant to the League of United Latin American Citizens’ HeadStart program.
“Educational issues have been near and dear to my heart for as long as I’ve been active in the community,” Lowenthal said. “When I get to Sacramento, I will fight to reduce class sizes and improve teacher training, and I’ll work to make college affordable for all Californians who choose to pursue it.”
The 54th Assembly District includes most of Long Beach, Signal Hill, San Pedro, Catalina Island and the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Incumbent Assembly member Betty Karnette is not running for re-election because of term limits.
For more information about Lowenthal’s campaign or to get involved, visit www.bonnielowenthal.com.
