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Andreas Farmakalidis
Andreas Farmakalidis ran for election to the Los Angeles Unified School District to represent District 3 in California. Farmakalidis lost in the primary on March 5, 2024.
Farmakalidis completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Andreas Farmakalidis earned a bachelor's degree from Berklee College of Music in 2008, a degree from Brandeis University in 2010, and a graduate degree from Harvard University in 2022. Farmakalidis' career experience includes working as an educator and business owner.[1]
Farmakalidis has been affiliated with the following organizations:[1]
- Chamber of Commerce
- Rotary
- Masonic Lodge
- Achor Bell
- Networking Plus
- United Chambers
Elections
2024
See also: Los Angeles Unified School District, California, elections (2024)
General election
General election for Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education District 3
Incumbent Scott Mark Schmerelson defeated Dan Chang in the general election for Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education District 3 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Scott Mark Schmerelson (Nonpartisan)  | 51.6 | 124,331 |
 | Dan Chang (Nonpartisan) | 48.4 | 116,478 | |
| Total votes: 240,809 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Nonpartisan primary election
Nonpartisan primary for Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education District 3
The following candidates ran in the primary for Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education District 3 on March 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Scott Mark Schmerelson (Nonpartisan) | 44.5 | 50,669 |
| ✔ | | Dan Chang (Nonpartisan) | 29.0 | 33,004 |
 | Raquel Villalta (Nonpartisan) | 12.0 | 13,632 | |
| Elizabeth Badger (Nonpartisan) | 8.2 | 9,287 | ||
 | Andreas Farmakalidis (Nonpartisan) | 6.3 | 7,131 | |
| Janie Dam (Nonpartisan) (Write-in) | 0.1 | 81 | ||
| Total votes: 113,804 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Farmakalidis in this election.
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Andreas Farmakalidis completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Farmakalidis' responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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His journey is one of remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication. Starting with a Bachelor's degree from Berklee College of Music, Andreas laid the foundation for a unique path. His thirst for knowledge led him to earn two Master's degrees—one in Music from Brandeis University and another in Political Science from Harvard University. In addition to his academic pursuits, Andreas also forged a successful career as a performing/touring musician performing/recording with several well known musicians such as Grammy winner Marty Friedman from Megadeth, as well as a film composer composing cues for major motion pictures such as avengers 2012, demonstrating his passion for the arts. Today, he stands as the proud owner of California MusicBox, a renowned music school/studio in Northridge, where his commitment to education and the arts shines brightly. The only school in California that can provide college credits to students. They are also LAUSD vendors. What truly sets Andreas apart is his deep devotion to his community. His active involvement in various organizations, such as the North Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce, United Chambers,his role as a Rotarian, and his association with Anchor Bell Lodge, showcases his
dedication to making a difference.- Fostering an environment where music and arts programs thrive, recognizing their pivotal role in holistic development.
- Maintain fiscal prudence and directing funds appropriately, I envision a robust educational system that not only nurtures individual talents but also addresses the diverse needs of every learner. It's about creating a space where every child has the opportunity to flourish, contributing their unique strengths to a richer, more inclusive society.
- Ensuring school safety is my top priority for the LAUSD. I'm committed to implementing comprehensive measures that prioritize the well-being of students, teachers, and staff. This includes investing in security systems, mental health resources, and fostering a collaborative community approach. Together, we can create a safe and supportive learning environment for every child in the LAUSD.
Economic policies: Measures influencing taxation, budgeting and economic development.
Leadership:
Representing the community: Board members serve as the voice of their constituents, advocating for the needs of students, families, and educators within their geographic district.
Setting the district's vision and goals: Working collaboratively, the board establishes the overall direction and priorities for the LAUSD, focusing on achieving positive outcomes for all students.
Policy Making:
Developing and approving policies: The board sets the policies that govern the operation of the district, covering areas like curriculum, instruction, budget, personnel, facilities, and student welfare.
Holding the superintendent accountable: The board hires and evaluates the superintendent, who is responsible for implementing the board's policies and managing the day-to-day operations of the district.
Oversight:
Monitoring the district's performance: The board regularly reviews data and reports to assess the effectiveness of district programs and initiatives, ensuring they align with policy goals and student needs.
Ensuring transparency and accountability: The board holds public meetings, receives community input, and makes its decisions accessible to the public.
Here are some additional key responsibilities of LAUSD school board members:
Approving the annual budget: This involves allocating resources to different schools, programs, and departments based on student needs and priorities.
Performance rights organizations
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
See also
2024 Elections
External links
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Candidate Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education District 3 |
Footnotes
