In a bid to unseat three incumbents and forge a new proactive Board of Education majority, the Burbank Teachers Association Representative Council voted unanimously in December to endorse three candidates for the Burbank Unified School Board election. They are (in ballot order) Paul Krekorian, Dave Kemp, and Larry Applebaum.
These three candidates are strong proponents of change in a district that has been plagued in the past year by fiscal mismanagement, lack of communication regarding the dismissal of a superintendent, and the constant blanket answer of ìon time, under budgetî when it comes to construction snafus. These three candidates have heard the outcries of the community, parents, and BUSD employee groups and are taking this opportunity to bring about necessary, meaningful change in the philosophy and management of the district.
Paul Krekorian is a long time community leader and organizer. In the last few years he has been a rising leader in Burbank. He has an established community service record that is respected by all; this has gained him the endorsement of the Burbank mayor as well as the other City Council members. He has also been endorsed by Assemblyman Dario Frommer and State Senator Jack Scott. Last, but certainly not least, Paul will bring his legal expertise as an attorney to a Board which has previously only had the hired services of the District’s attorneys to advise them.
Dave Kemp is a retired classroom teacher, mentor teacher, coach, and athletic director. Dave is a 36 year resident of Burbank who brings a sense of pride, integrity, and spirit to his campaign. His focus will be to ensure that our schools establish true partnerships with parents, teachers, and the community to create a team to influence spending priorities, academic curriculum, standards, and discipline. Dave’s insights in and out of the classroom will definitely be an asset to a Board who has at times lacked insight into the real world of the classroom, especially when it comes to budget priorities.
Larry Applebaum is a lifelong resident of Burbank and a local businessman. He too has an impressive public service record. He has been a member of the Burbank Police Commission and is currently on the Board of Directors of Leadership Burbank. As the father of a five month old daughter, Larry wants to make sure that by the time she is of school age BUSD will have what is necessary in place for all students, teachers, and staff to thrive in a nurturing, academic environment that provides opportunities for music, art, and extracurricular activities. Larry’s business acumen and strong sense of fiscal responsibility is what Larry adds to this slate of three highly qualified candidates.
We urgently need your help. In order to ensure victory in the primary which is February 25, all Burbank teachers must play an active role in this election. We need volunteers to phone bank, walk precincts, post lawn signs, or simply talk to local businesses, neighbors and friends about our slate of Krekorian, Kemp, and Applebaum. There has never been a more important election in Burbank schools’ history! We can no longer continue to be satisfied with the status quo. Make your voice count. Help elect Krekorian, Kemp, and Applebaum for a renewal of confidence, trust, and ability.