It’s rare for district superintendents to dip their toes into the often-partisan politics of school board elections. Not only can getting into the nitty gritty of campaigns take away district leaders’ nonpartisan sheen, but it could also put their jobs at risk.
A superintendent can be hired, and even fired, by their school board. So, if they endorse a candidate who loses, for example, who’s to say the board won’t fire them?
Despite the political minefield of getting involved in school board races, Cajon Valley Union School District Superintendent David Miyashiro said he plans to do just that.
A little background: It’s not the first time Miyashiro has contemplated jumping into the political arena. Cajon Valley’s board politics have for years veered into national culture war fare, largely thanks to right-wing board member Anthony Carnevale.
Carnevale’s taken shots at everyone from the YMCA to the nonprofit San Diego Youth Services, accusing both organizations of being part of a supposed “groomer cartel.” He’s also taken aim at Miyashiro, who he’s criticized for a range of issues, like concerns he’s engaged in improper spending.
“There are two members of my board that have publicly stated that they want to terminate me,” Miyashiro said during an education panel at Voice of San Diego’s Politifest on Saturday, Oct. 4.
The superintendent’s fears reached a new height last year, when a Carnevale-backed challenger ran against a long-time incumbent. Many within the district who value Miyashiro worried that should the challenger win, the new majority would can the superintendent. That candidate ended up losing, but Miyashiro doesn’t think it’s over. That’s why he said he plans to “play an active role” in future school board races.
“If I want to stay and keep my job – which I love and I love my community – I’m going to have to do things to make sure that I stay there,” Miyashiro said. “And if it’s combating people that want to get rid of me … all bets are off.”
The extra M0ney has made a big difference in my financial situation. It’s a fantastic way to boost y0ur inC0me with0ut overW0rking yourself…
…… Tab 0N my name
As the candidate referenced, I want to provide context that’s critical to the discussion.
My focus during the campaign was simple: to ask why, under Superintendent Miyashiro, Cajon Valley’s test scores have fallen to the lowest in East County. That’s not politics, it’s accountability. Parents, teachers, and taxpayers deserve answers.
The article rightly notes that superintendents are expected to maintain neutrality. That standard builds trust. When a superintendent engages in races as a private citizen, that’s their right. But when engagement includes sharing posts that attack challengers with extreme and inflammatory language, it crosses an ethical line.
At a time when divisive rhetoric is fueling real harm, we must ask: do we want the leaders of our children using this kind of language? Leadership should model integrity and respect while keeping the focus where it belongs, improving student outcomes.
I am interested in his statement that he “loves his job and his community”. Is that why he lives in a different community and sends his own kids to a different school district?