Meet The Candidate: Linda Menges

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA — Three candidates are vying for two seats on the Las Virgenes Unified School District Board of Education in Tuesday's election.

Patch asked them to describe their qualifications and visions for Las Virgenes schools. Linda Menges, a 59-year-old mother of six and five-year incumbent, lists financial stability, racial equity, and learning environment amidst a pandemic as some of her top priorities.

Family

Husband Doug Menges, married for 34 years. We have 6 grown children, 2 son-in-laws and 1 grandchild

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

BSBA Business Communication from the University of Louisiana - Lafayette

Occupation

Elected to LVUSD School Board in November 2015

Campaign website

lindamenges.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Elected to LVUSD School Board in November 2015

The single most pressing issue facing Las Virgenes is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Distance learning due to the pandemic. I have been an advocate for professional development for all employees to provide tools during these unprecedented times to keep students and faculty engaged in the learning process. I have encouraged all parties, faculty, students, parents, community, to keep lines of communication open and treat each other with kindness and patience as we navigate these uncharted areas together.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have had five years of experience on the board. I was a part of the decision making process that took place last March when we shifted to distance learning. I provide proven consistent leadership. I remain calm in a crisis, am a deep thinker and a hard worker.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

We need to address the racial equity issues that are a focal point in our society today to make sure all ethnicities voices are heard. A third looming issue is the financial crisis that we will be faced with when the shut down of our economy due to the pandemic affects taxes that support education. I want to work to keep the budget cuts as far away from the classroom as possible.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I was a part of the decision making process as we shifted to distance learning in March of 2020. We were one of the first school districts in our area to launch a distance learning platform last spring. I have been on Curriculum Council in our district for many years and was part of the process to put in place a directed focus for the 2020-2021 school year to look at our current curriculum especially in the areas of the humanities to make sure the curriculum is as inclusive as possible of all races and ethnicities.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?

If I were able to provide options and opportunities for the success of ALL students, and if I were able to create an environment of diversity and inclusion.

Why should voters trust you?

I have lived in this community for over twenty years and have worked closely with our school district to ensure that Las Virgenes remains a top performing destination school district. I am objective and fair and have an appreciation of what our students need to be successful in education.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the use of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?

I am interested in fiscal conservancy and transparency. I am interested in full and fair funding for our schools.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

No.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

You run for school board as an independent, but once elected you serve as a team. You can have your opinions, but you serve as a community representative.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I have learned so much in my first term, proven consistent leadership is more important now than ever. I will work with all stake holders to find safe ways to return to school and will work to create an environment of diversity and inclusion while keeping budget cuts as far from the classroom as possible.