Labor relations representative, Jesse Tangkhpanya, is not well known around Burbank, but he’s taking action to try to quickly change that. Media City Groove was the first to report that Tangkhpanya pulled nomination papers last week for the Burbank School Board. Three seats on that board will be on the February 24, 2015 Burbank Primary Election mail-in ballot.
Tangkhpanya sent out a letter to the local media announcing his candidacy earlier this week. Tangkhpanya, who has lived in Burbank only since early 2012, doesn’t have the kind of deep roots in the community of some of the other candidates. However, in his letter, he offered something he thinks is just as important: “My experience in District costing and budgeting has prepared me to meticulously scour through general funds and ask the tough questions needed by our next leaders. If elected, I will continue the good work of the current Board by holding District officials accountable on budget projections, and I will ensure that the Board’s role as a “check” on the District is safeguarded; thereby protecting the balance of powers.”
Also, Tangkhpanya thinks the BUSD should have some specific goals such as: “Focusing our attention on raising academic expectations, providing resources to continue closing the achievement gap, and developing career pathways to success in collaboration with our local colleges and businesses are some of the things I envision for our children.” You can read Tangkhpanya’s complete letter on Myburbank or the Burbank Leader site.
In an email exchange with me, Tangkhpanya stressed his “love” for Burbank, his “adopted home,” and desire to use some of his career experience to help our schools. He says he has “… five years of boots on the ground (literally speaking) experience in public education. When I was at Education Workers Local 99 I had over 100 school sites that I went to daily – 1 school visit a day almost everyday.”
Tangkhpanya currently works for the California School Employees Association.
