Press Release CONTACT: Greg Burt, California Family Council (949) 244-2080
November 13, 2024
Parental Rights Groups Announce Wave of School Board Victories Across California
SACRAMENTO, CA – In an overwhelming series of victories for families, a coalition of parental rights groups are grateful that the voters saw what is at stake and ushered in a wave of pro-parental rights candidates to school board seats across California. As voters took a powerful stand for transparency, accountability, and the fundamental rights of parents to direct the upbringing of their own children, families in a number of diverse school districts across the state are now empowered to pushback against anti-parent policies often advanced by state lawmakers in Sacramento.
“Parental rights were on the ballot this election, and common sense prevailed with the election of at least 32 school board candidates who will fight to protect a parent’s constitutionally protected right to raise their children. Democrats in Sacramento have made it their priority to keep secrets from parents and control their kids in school, but we fought back at the local level, and we’re winning,” commented Assemblyman Bill Essayli, a Republican legislator who coordinated with a broad coalition of parental rights groups to push for Parent Notification Policies passed in 10 California school districts. These polices, passed at the district level after the state Assembly refused to consider Essayli’s parent notification legislation, have been upheld by multiple courts across California.
One of those school districts was Chino Valley Unified under the leadership of Sonja Shaw, president of the board. “California families are standing up, and we refuse to be marginalized in our children’s education. Despite relentless pressure from unions and special interests who want to prioritize ideologies ahead of basic education—reading, writing, math, and STEM—we are leading a movement to put parents back in charge,” Shaw said. “Our commitment is unshakable: we will protect parental rights, ensure transparency, and demand that schools focus on preparing our youth for the future. This is just the beginning. Together, we’re reclaiming our schools and securing a brighter future for our children. Now is the time to join us and stand strong for what’s right.”
While many races across California will not be finalized for days or weeks, the votes counted so far in these 32 school board races send a clear message that voters support parental rights over radical policies coming from Sacramento.
As a result of these wins, several districts flipped, so the majority of its members are now pro-parental rights. Those districts include Temecula Valley Unified School District, Capistrano Unified School District, Placer Union High School District, and Corona-Norco Unified School District.
Here is a list of recently elected or almost elected pro-parental rights school board members:
Dr. Joseph Komrosky: Temecula Valley Unified School District
Melinda Anderson: Temecula Valley Unified School District
Steve Lesch: Roseville City School District
Jonathon Zachreson: Roseville City School District
Heidi Hall: Roseville Joint Union High School District
Jeremy Jeffreys: Placer Union High School District
Emily Craig Travis: Auburn Union School District Board
Brenda YH Lebsack: Santa Ana Unified School District
Dr. Aakash Ahuja: William S. Hart Union High School District
Erin Wilson: William S. Hart High School District
Julie Hupp: Rocklin Unified School District
Rachelle Price: Rocklin Unified School District
Candy Olson: Redlands Unified School District
Diana Greene: Colfax Elementary School District
Jeannette Wilson: Redlands Unified School District
Heidi Moore: Elk Grove Unified School District
Jackie LaBarbera: Shasta County Board of Education
Teresa Roberts: Shasta County Board of Education
Steven Lewis: Golden Valley Unified School District
Julia Rinauro: Anderson Union High School District
James Na: Chino Valley Unified School District
Andrew Cruz: Chino Valley Unified School District
John Cervantes: Chino Valley Unified School District
Jennifer Adnams: Capistrano Unified School District
Lisa Zollinger: Capistrano Unified School District
Lisa Davis: Capistrano Unified School District
Tracie Thill: Santee School District
Leandra Blades: Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District
Tim Dougherty: Poway Unified School District
Lief Hansen: Fallbrook Union Elementary School District
Tom Duncan: Placer Union High School District
Jami Merchant: Corona-Norco Unified School District
This press release is being sent out on behalf of the following parental rights groups who are committed to promoting public policy to protect the rights of parents to raise and educate their children.
Our Duty
Real Impact
California Policy Center
Moms for Liberty Placer County
Moms for Liberty Los Angeles
Moms for Liberty San Luis Obispo
California Family Council
National Center for Law and Policy
Rebuild California
Advocates for Faith and Freedom
Protect Our Kids
Stand Up Ministry: Calvary Chapel Solano
Informed Parents of California
Capitol Resource Institute
Make California Gold Again
Not On Our Watch
Traditional Values for Next Generations
Concerned Women for America of California