The teachers union has poured nearly $400,000 into its own campaign for incumbent Shelia Jackson and challenger John Lee Evans in the past three months, according to campaign disclosures.
That is serious cash in the world of school board races, where the candidates themselves have spent far less to advance their names. Computer teacher Xeng Yang, who is vying for Jackson’s seat, has only spent $6,638.53 so far this year, and Jackson has only dropped $607.91 even though she has gotten more than $8,000 in contributions.
In what is widely expected to be the tightest race, incumbent Mitz Lee has spent just shy of $21,000 this year and her opponent Evans has spent nearly $19,000.
But Evans has raised more money during that time, and the teachers union is spending more than $193,000 to wage their own campaign for Evans, posting “Teachers Vote” signs that urge voters to back Evans and Jackson.