School board members are the largest elected body of representatives in the nation. They govern local school districts, decide curriculums, and adopt new policies like deciding whether students learn virtually or in the classroom.
In Kern County there are 47 school districts and more than 190,000 students are enrolled in Kindergarten through 12th grade. This election there are multiple school board seats across the county that are up for grabs.
The Kern High School District is the largest high school district in California. KHSD is made up of 18 high schools, serves over 40,000 students, and has an annual budget that tops over 400 million. One of the main issues the district is facing is deciding whether to return to in-person learning.
This year there are two seats up for election, Trustee Area 2 and Trustee Area 3. The current Vice President and Trustee for Area 3 Joey O'Connell and incumbent Board Clerk and Trustee for Area 2 Jeff Flores are running for reelection. David Manriquez is running against O'Connell for Trustee Area 3 and Dayle Record is running against Flores for Trustee Area 2.
To hear from the candidates themselves click through the videos below:
Correction: The initial story aired on 9/30/2020 stated Joey O'Connell did not submit a video. However, upon further review 23ABC found Joey O'Connell did submit a video to the station prior to air.
KHSD School Board Vice President Candidate Joey O'Connell
KHSD School Board Vice President Candidate David Manriquez
KHSD School Board Clerk Candidate Jeff Flores
KHSD School Board Clerk Candidate Dayle Record
