Ken Williams has, since first being elected in 1996, represented District 3 on the Orange County Board of Education. We have endorsed him in the past for his commitment to defending school choice and we do so again this time.
His inclination toward supporting the expansion of charter schools, even over the objections of local school boards, has understandably made him a target of much criticism.
But Williams rightly understands the value of respecting school choice and the problem of allowing bureaucrats and politicians to make decisions best made by parents.
While Williams notes that from time-to-time charter school proposals with clear deficiencies should be rejected, it’s also the case that the political establishment in California has focused too much on undermining charters. His positions have often put him at odds with Superintendent Al Mijares.While we’d rather they resolve their differences with discussion rather than costly legal battles and a war of words, we don’t ascribe bad faith to either. We encourage them to work better together.
Williams’ challenger, Andy Thorburn, offer some sensible critiques of Williams, but ultimately it’s clear the former congressional candidate is too allied with teacher unions to be the sort of board member who will put students first.
Vote for Williams on March 3.