The most recent candidacy announcement–this time from Bixby Knolls resident and local volunteer Megan Kerr–crowds the Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) Area 1 Board seat with a total of three candidates. Kerr will face Jeff Price and Uduak Ntuk for the spot on the Board.

Area 1 is the part of the district currently overseen by Board Chair Mary Stanton. Stanton, having served 24 years on the Board, announced in late July that she would not re-run for election, effectively opening up her seat.

According to Kerr’s website, she is an active member of the PTA, a LBUSD volunteer for 12 years, and a lifelong resident of Long Beach. A self-described advocate for responsible fiscal activities and accessibility, Kerr has also served as the Board Liaison to the District as well as co-chaired a working group within the Education Business Advisory Committee.

Despite vying specifically for Area 1 seat, Kerr emphasized in a press release that she hopes to serve all areas of the District.

“I want to deliver for all corners of our school district,” Kerr said. “Whether you’re a parent on the East Side, West Side, Avalon, or a family I hope to represent in North Long Beach, our kids deserve a great education. I will fight to continue to increase the graduation rates, close the achievement gap district-wide, and work for the success of all Long Beach students. I will support policy that provides rigorous and relevant instruction at all school sites to ensure that all our students are college, career, and community ready.”

Price, a 20-year resident of California Heights, is not new to running for the Board. He faced the aforementioned Stanton in 2010 and ultimately lost. The attorney and Longtime Elementary PTA president is a self-described health and safety advocate, with his main focus being traffic congestion, bathroom accessibility, and heating issues.

“Long Beach USD is comprised of some beautiful, brand new campuses,” Price stated on his website. “However, many of our schools are older and in need of repair and updating. At many schools, the temperatures inside the classroom reach over 90 degrees in the warmest months, and there are problems with air circulation and ventilation. I will fight to implement an extreme heat policy whereby teachers have options when the heat in their classrooms becomes unbearable.”

Chemical engineer and current City employee Uduak Ntuk was raised in the Deforest Park neighborhood of North Long Beach. The grandson of a captain at the former Naval base and the son of a immigrant father from Africa, he is describes himself as non-partisan when it comes to politics and focuses deeply on STEM courses and careers.

“I will stand up for students, parents, teachers and working families by bringing a common sense, pragmatic approach to governing,” Ntuk said on his website. “I will work with all stakeholders to improve the academic outcomes for our students. It’s important that Uptown Long Beach have a representative that understands their needs and is accessible to the entire community.”