Sonja Shaw, a candidate for superintendent in California, stated her commitment to challenging the United Teachers Los Angeles union (UTLA) despite a video showing a union leader describing Shaw as a “real threat”. Shaw, who leads the Chino Valley Unified School District board, critiqued the union for prioritizing the education system over student success.
Shaw pointed out the poor academic performance in Los Angeles, where more than half of the students fall below expected reading and math levels. She accused UTLA of keeping parents uninformed and safeguarding the system rather than addressing these concerns.
Academic Performance:
- In 2025, about 46.46% of LAUSD students met or exceeded English standards.
- Around 36.76% of students met or exceeded math standards.
These statistics suggest significant room for improvement in academic achievement. Shaw remains undeterred by the criticism, emphasizing her focus on prioritizing children and families, opposing the union’s agenda, and advocating for policies that favor parental involvement and student welfare.
Corey DeAngelis, a research fellow at The Heritage Foundation, shared the recording, highlighting it as proof of union opposition to Shaw. In the clip, a woman discusses how Shaw’s election would complicate the union’s objectives, particularly labeling Shaw as a “MAGA lady” poised to disrupt public education.
Julie Van Winkle, the UTLA AFT vice president, was identified by The California Post as the speaker in the recording. Meanwhile, the UTLA supports Richard Barrera, Shaw’s opponent, noting his dedication to collaborating with educators and unions to secure education funding.
Significant financial support backs Barrera, with millions spent by organized labor for his campaign, starkly contrasting the lesser amount directed towards Shaw.
Roxanne Hoge, the Los Angeles County Republican Party Chair, linked the controversy to Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent reduction of the superintendent’s authority, indicating Shaw’s influence in prompting this change.
Fox News Digital has sought comments from UTLA and Governor Newsom’s office regarding this situation.
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