School Board Member Responds to School Board Recall Petition.

This petition against me is categorically false, mean-spirited, and harmful to our exemplary school district. The recall is baseless and does not serve our students or the voters of Santa Monica and Malibu. Again, the recall drive against my colleagues and me is based on lies and personal innuendo. It is meant to confuse the voters and undermine our democratic process.

Here are a few important facts about our school district: unlike every other district in Los Angeles County, all students in SMMUSD (prek-12) will have access to five day a week, in person instruction by April 26th with teachers and staff who have been fully vaccinated.

As neighboring districts are laying off dozens of teachers while their reserves are dwindling, SMMUSD has balanced its budget and is retaining teachers. Our credit rating has been upgraded twice recently and our taxpayers have saved over $21m with a bond program that is on schedule and addressing decades of prior facilities neglect.

This is the mark of a healthy school district with strong leadership at the school board level.

Richard Tahvildaran-Jesswein, Ph.D.