Melvoin Watch

Ethics Complaints Filed Against School Board Member

Nick Melvoin is accused of diverting LAUSD resources meant to help students in an attempt to gain an advantage in his re-election campaign.

“As our district works to meet our goals of high academic achievement and success for all students, we know that it is vital to build the trust of our stakeholders and our greater public”

- LAUSD Ethics Office

Incumbent officeholders have a built-in advantage in seeking reelection as their position gives them ready access to the press, name recognition with the electorate, and the ability to generate goodwill by being generous with the public’s money. Ethics rules provide some guide rails to prevent overt abuse including the prohibition on using government funds to directly benefit officials seeking reelection. Given the limited nature of these protections, violations must be taken seriously by those responsible for enforcement.

Was this campaign picture taken in an LAUSD facility?

As a lawyer, LAUSD Board Member Nick Melvoin should be adept at reading laws and regulations, but in complaints filed with the Los Angeles…