Newport Beach Faces Big Bills Over Special School Election

News Summary

Newport Beach is preparing for a costly special election on June 10, with taxpayers potentially facing expenses between $444,695 and $493,802. This election arises after the ousting of trustee Kirstin Walsh. Candidates vying for the vacant position include Andrea McElroy, known for her entrepreneurial ventures, amidst controversy over her past legal troubles. Kirstin Walsh, her opponent, highlights her experience in the school system. As the election date nears, voters are urged to stay informed about the candidates and important issues impacting their community.

Newport Beach Faces Big Bills Over Special School Election

Newport Beach is gearing up for a special election on June 10 that could see taxpayers footing a hefty bill of between $444,695 and $493,802. This costly election is the result of a recent petition-driven ousting of trustee Kirstin Walsh, who was appointed to her seat in January. Now, the spotlight is on the candidates vying to fill that empty chair in the Newport-Mesa Unified School District Board.

Meet the Candidates

In the race for the trustee position for District Area 5, which covers schools like Newport Elementary, Ensign Intermediate, and Newport Harbor High School, one standout candidate is Andrea McElroy, who leans on a background that’s anything but ordinary. McElroy is not only a candidate but also the owner of Fair Play Active, a pickleball-themed clothing brand, and has previously run a stationery store in Newport Beach called The Paper House.

Adding to her appeal, McElroy boasts of her experience during the dot-com boom while working with Microsoft, where she played a significant role in shaping digital advertising strategies. While there’s a lot to admire about her entrepreneurship and tech background, not everything is smooth sailing in her past.

Controversy and Questions

Critics of McElroy have some reservations regarding her qualifications, shining a light on her tangled history of legal battles, which includes multiple lawsuits involving her businesses and her ex-husband, Russell Young. She’s been involved in six legal cases relating to unpaid rent and breach of contract, leading to financial judgments against her companies. Notables from her litigation history include a lawsuit from Balboa Bay Club in 2007 and a second lawsuit from her landlords in 2008, garnishing judgments of $1,741 and $9,784, respectively.

Things took a more serious turn with a 2022 lawsuit against McElroy and Young, where they faced a judgment of $747,843.98. More recently, in 2023, a staggering $4.5 million lawsuit was filed against Union Market, the business they operated. Her opponents argue that these legal issues raise questions about her suitability for the school board.

The Campaign Trail

On the flip side of the campaign is Kirstin Walsh, who emphasizes her experience as an occupational therapist and her former role as PTA president at Newport Harbor High. Walsh insists that she did not play a part in researching or publicizing McElroy’s legal history, even as her supporters voice concerns about McElroy’s background.

Both candidates have articulated their support for measures aimed at improving campus safety and enhancing career education for high school students. It’s worth noting that the election became necessary following the departure of former trustee Michelle Barto, who stepped down after being elected to the Newport Beach City Council.

Voting Information

As the election date approaches, mail-in ballots have already been dispatched to voters, with opportunities for in-person voting available at Coastline College starting May 31 through Election Day. With various important issues on the table, it’s crucial for voters to make informed choices.

Looking Ahead

While McElroy dismisses criticisms as a “non-story,” she claims that Walsh’s supporters are pushing narratives that falsely portray her as someone who aligns with policies limiting parental access to student information regarding health and gender identity. Meanwhile, Walsh is focused on tackling infrastructure challenges, maintenance issues, and campus safety initiatives, reiterating her commitment to nurturing the school community.

As the Newport-Mesa Unified School District continues to steer clear of controversies regarding student materials, like those happening in other California districts, this special election is set to be an intriguing and costly chapter in the district’s story.

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Additional Resources

• Los Angeles Times: Candidates Emerge in NMUSD School Board Race
• Wikipedia
• Orange County Register: June Election for NMUSD
• Google Search: Newport-Mesa Unified School District
• Los Angeles Times: Lawsuits Against NMUSD Candidate
• Encyclopedia Britannica
• Patch: Newport Beach Election Results
• Google News: Newport Beach School Board Election