> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.whittierinformed.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # 2026 Election Guide: East Whittier City School District, Trustee Area 3 - URL: https://www.whittierinformed.com/2026-election-guide-east-whittier-city-school-district-trustee-area-3/ - Published: 2026-10-16T17:05:52.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-16T17:05:52.000Z - Description: Incumbent Christine Chacon Kennedy faces challenger Michael “Mike” Ramos in the November 3 election. - Author: Staff Report - Tags: Elections, East Whittier City School District, School Board Voters in Trustee Area 3 of the East Whittier City School District will choose between incumbent Christine Chacon Kennedy and challenger Michael “Mike” Ramos in the November 3 election. Whittier Informed invited both candidates to answer five questions about district priorities, academic performance, spending decisions and accountability. Both candidates received the same questions, with a requested limit of 100 words per response. ## Meet the candidates The following candidate profiles are based on statements submitted by the candidates and published by the [Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk.](https://apps.lavote.gov/candidate-statements/public-statement/10692/25710/EN?ref=whittierinformed.com) ### Christine Chacon Kennedy — Incumbent Christine Chacon Kennedy is retired and has served on the East Whittier City School District Board of Education for 23 years. According to her official candidate statement, she has helped establish a student board member position, launch district spelling bee and speech contests, support the restoration of the historic Emma Wicker Auditorium, and create the annual Engage East Whittier event. Kennedy identifies student opportunities, family engagement, responsible spending and school enrichment among her priorities. She also advocates for school garden centers where students can learn about sustainability, nutrition and the environment. [cckennedy.com](https://cckennedy.com/?ref=whittierinformed.com) ### Michael “Mike” Ramos — Challenger Michael “Mike” Ramos is a district sales representative and former East Whittier City School District student who is seeking a seat on the Board of Education. According to his official candidate statement, he is a state employee, union leader and community advocate who has served on his union’s District Labor Council for six years and participated in collective bargaining. Ramos identifies student achievement, school safety, responsible spending and transparency among his priorities. He says he wants to improve communication with families and employees and evaluate whether district programs and spending are producing meaningful results for students. mikeramos4ewcsd.com --- *Kennedy submitted responses to the questionnaire. Ramos did not submit responses by the publication deadline.* ## 1\. What needs to change? *What is one thing you believe this district should be doing differently right now, and what role should the board play in making that change?* **Christine Chacon Kennedy:** I believe bullying is a big concern for our district. Our board policy should state what strategies for addressing bullying would specifically be used. Families need to know their children are safe and can learn without fear. My role as a board member is - listen to community concerns and together with staff come up with the best possible, easily understandable policy that the community will embrace. Community input is valuable because these are their children and everyone wants a safe and secure school for their children. ## 2\. Measuring success *What two or three measures would you use to judge whether the district is serving students well? How is the district doing on those measures today?* **Christine Chacon Kennedy:** LCAP -Three-year district plan used to set goals, measure student success and allocate funding. I would look at the success rates of our students. Are the D and F rates going up or down? While I would like to see less D's and F's we must look at and review the quantitative data on the D and F students and provide our teachers and students with the proper resources to succeed. Are we retaining students and does the community feel good about our schools? If parents feel their kids are safe in our schools- we will retain our students. ## 3\. Money and tradeoffs *If the district had to reduce spending next year, what would you protect first? What would you be willing to reduce or delay?* **Christine Chacon Kennedy:** I would protect the DLI program that is currently at two of our schools. The success the DLI students have shown is truly amazing. The students speak beautifully in two languages and that can only lead to a successful future. I would be willing to reduce or delay the number of supervisors in some administrative positions. ## 4\. Recent decisions *Identify one recent decision by the school board that you support and one you would have handled differently. Explain your reasoning.* **Christine Chacon Kennedy:** One decision was to keep nurses instead of laying off and having health clerks at some schools. It is very important for our students and schools to have access to a registered nurse. There are students with complex issues that a health clerk cannot attend to which require a registered nurse. What I would have handled differently was voting recently to approve a raise to administrators. Looking back - if I had to vote on that again I would have voted differently especially after hearing from parents and the community. ## 5\. Looking ahead *If elected, what is one measurable result you would want the district to achieve by the end of your four-year term?* **Christine Chacon Kennedy:** The completion of the restoration of the Emma Wicker Auditorium. The Board monitors the progress and completion and we oversee the budget to ensure all safety standards are in place. Once completed it will provide a modern venue for community events, which will benefit our students and bring our community together. We all know the Arts are important for students and if you have seen our district food trucks they are painted with student artwork. Emma Wicker Auditorium is another step to enhance the Arts for all our students.