News Summary
Andrea McElroy is currently leading the Newport-Mesa Unified School Board special election with over 54% of the votes counted, while her opponent, Kirsten Walsh, trails at 45.8%. The election seeks to fill the vacant Area 5 seat left by former trustee Michelle Barto. McElroy’s campaign emphasizes parental rights and educational enhancements, while Walsh focuses on nonpartisan governance and child welfare. The election outcome is set to influence the district’s academic strategies and resource allocation significantly.
Newport Beach – Andrea McElroy is currently leading early returns for the Newport-Mesa Unified School Board special election, with over 54% of votes counted. Her opponent, Kirsten Walsh, is trailing with approximately 45.8% of the votes. The election aims to fill the vacant Area 5 seat left by former trustee Michelle Barto, who was elected to the Newport Beach City Council in November.
The special election was triggered after a petition received enough signatures to reverse Walsh’s earlier appointment to the trustee seat over McElroy by a divided school board in late January. As mail-in ballots are counted, the OC Registrar of Voters estimates the total cost of the election to be between $444,695 and $493,802.
Both McElroy and Walsh have expressed confidence in their campaign platforms, which they believe resonate with voters in District Area 5. McElroy, aged 55, has a solid background as a businesswoman and has engaged actively in volunteer activities within the district. She notably took roles such as a room mom and was involved in theater and tennis programs.
McElroy’s campaign centers on emphasizing parental rights, particularly her opposition to California’s SAFETY Act, which she believes undermines parental involvement by keeping secrets regarding children’s identities. Her campaign also includes a commitment to enhance arts, career education, and provide essential skills for student success.
Not far behind, Walsh, 53, a pediatric occupational therapist, has leadership experience as the PTA president at Newport Harbor High School, where she is also a parent of two children currently enrolled in the district. Her campaign primarily focuses on fostering trust and nonpartisan governance centered on the best interests of children.
Both candidates have made significant community contributions evident through their experience, with McElroy promoting her dedication to family welfare and proactive approach within the community. Meanwhile, Walsh highlights her specialized knowledge in child development and her personal experiences as a parent in the district.
As of the latest count, of the 19,076 registered voters in Area 5, McElroy received 2,581 mail-in ballots, compared to Walsh’s 2,175. Though McElroy leads currently, it is crucial to note that these preliminary results are not final. Additional votes will continue to be processed from in-person ballots, and updates from the OC Registrar of Voters are expected daily at 5 p.m.
Voters are reminded that they can cast their ballots until June 10, when ballots must be postmarked, and secure drop-off locations are available. The election outcome will significantly influence the direction of the school district, particularly concerning academic achievement, resource allocation, and student support services.
In the lead-up to the election, critics have raised concerns regarding McElroy’s business history, referring to lawsuits as part of a smear campaign, a claim she dismisses. Meanwhile, Walsh remains focused on her vision for the district, advocating for nonpartisan efforts to improve educational outcomes for all students.
As the community awaits final results, both candidates continue to engage with voters, advocating their visions for the Newport-Mesa Unified School District’s future.
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Additional Resources
- OC Register: Special Election to Decide New School Board Member in NMUSD
- Wikipedia: Newport Beach, California
- LAist: Early Results Show School Board Challenger in the Lead
- Google Search: Newport-Mesa Unified School District
- LA Times: Preliminary Vote Counts Favor Challenger in NMUSD Race
- Google Scholar: California School Board Elections
- OC Register: Kirstin Walsh is Running for Open Seat in NMUSD Trustee Area 5
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Governance
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA
The Costa Mesa Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, performances at the Pacific Amphitheatre, and community gatherings at The LAB Anti-Mall. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Visit Costa Mesa, plus leading businesses in retail, entertainment, and innovation that shape the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
