Los Angeles Unified school board candidates could soon be eligible for public campaign funds

Legislation introduced Wednesday to the Los Angeles City Council would study the potential expansion of the city’s “matching funds” program to Los Angeles Unified school board candidates. According to LAist, expansion of the match program could likely appear as a ballot measure in the 2024 elections.

If expanded, that would mean that school board candidates would receive $6 from the city for every matchable dollar raised, allowing candidates to not depend so heavily on unions and charter school advocates to fund campaigns.

This move comes as the L.A. City Council evaluates its system in light of a recent scandal in which council members were recorded attempting to influence redistricting maps and making racist remarks last year. The City Council is already looking toward redrawing its districts, including those of LAUSD school board members.