Candidates Share School Board Visions Ahead of Newport‑Mesa Trustee Special Election

With a June 10 special election set to fill Newport Beach’s Area 5 seat on the Newport‑Mesa Unified School Board, business owner Andrea McElroy and occupational therapist Kirstin Walsh are campaigning on distinct platforms aimed at guiding priorities in this community‑funded district.

Kirstin Walsh, who was appointed earlier this year but served only five weeks before a petition triggered the election, emphasizes improving aging school facilities and expanding services like transitional kindergarten. She identifies as non‑partisan and supports existing policies such as AB 1955 protections and against book bans. Walsh brings deep-rooted school involvement through over a decade of PTA and volunteer work.

Andrea McElroy, a local entrepreneur and parent, frames her campaign around what she views as educational overreach—calling for a focus on fundamentals over culture-war initiatives. She opposes ethnic studies mandates and advocates for clear limits on curriculum that she feels politicizes schools. McElroy is backed by local Republican leaders, supporters of the petition movement, and the outgoing board member, Michelle Barto.

Early vote counts give McElroy roughly 54% of early ballots, edging out Walsh in a race that counts infrastructure, curriculum, TK funding, and board philosophies as key concerns.

Read the Original Article: https://laist.com/news/politics/voter-game-plan-guide-to-the-newport-mesa-unified-school-board-special-election