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Special Election Scheduled for NMUSD Board Vacancy

Community members gather to discuss concerns regarding the Newport-Mesa Unified School District.

News Summary

A special election will take place on June 10 to fill a vacancy on the Newport-Mesa Unified School District board. The election follows a petition that gathered over 360 signatures after Kirstin Walsh served briefly. Walsh and Andrea McElroy are the candidates competing for the position, which will conclude former board member Michelle Barto’s term in December 2026.

Newport Beach – A special election is set for June 10 to fill a vacancy on the Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) board for Area 5. The vacancy was created after former board member Michelle Barto was elected to the Newport Beach City Council last year. Kirstin Walsh, a pediatric occupational therapist and active parent in the community, was appointed to the position but served only five weeks before a petition initiated by local residents led to the calling of a special election.

The petition garnered 361 signatures, surpassing the 289 needed to trigger the special election. As a result, Walsh will compete against Andrea McElroy, a businesswoman and fellow parent, for the seat. The winner will serve out the remainder of Barto’s term, which will conclude in December 2026.

Kirstin Walsh has spent 13 years volunteering in Newport-Mesa schools, holding significant roles including the current PTA president at Newport Harbor High School. Her main priorities include enhancing school infrastructure, ensuring campus safety, and opposing book bans. In addition, she stands in support of California’s AB 1955 law concerning student identification as LGBTQ. Walsh’s extensive experience in the district provides her with a unique perspective on the needs and priorities of the schools.

On the other hand, Andrea McElroy is a co-founder of a women’s clothing brand and is the parent of three children who have gone through Newport-Mesa schools. She has owned a stationery store and has been involved with local business initiatives. McElroy advocates for expanding career and trade education in schools and emphasizes the importance of teaching life skills, including personal finance and grammar. Furthermore, she has openly criticized the current political climate of the school board and argues that schools should concentrate on fundamental education rather than engaging in what she refers to as “Sacramento’s culture wars.”

Both Walsh and McElroy have shown a commitment to enhancing early career education pathways for students and recognize the necessity of preparing students for future job markets. However, their approaches differ significantly when it comes to navigating the intersection of education and political issues. McElroy’s campaign has garnered endorsements from various political figures within the community, while Walsh has not publicly announced any endorsements to date.

The special election, confirmed by the Orange County Department of Education, is expected to cost the district nearly $500,000. The expenditure has raised concerns among some community members regarding the implications of using school funds for an election, particularly given that Walsh’s initial appointment was backed by a majority of the board.

In summary, the Newport-Mesa Unified School District’s upcoming special election will not only fill a crucial board position but may also highlight the differing philosophies on education governance and priorities among candidates. As residents look to reshape leadership in schools, the election will be closely watched by parents, educators, and community members seeking a voice in their educational system.