He's definitely not independent. His voting track record is at best politically minded and doing what is best for his career, but at worst he's shown that he's going to do what his biggest campaign contributors ask him to do (teacher's unions). One good example of this is his abstaining on the vote to expand the WISH charter schools. These are great schools with a proven track record, but he wouldn't take a position on this vote. This is not reasonable for the LAUSD School Board President - he needs to lead and make his position known... but instead he chose to abstain for his own political safety.

The true independent on the school board right now is Monica Ratliff. Board President Zimmer has said in the past that he admires and respects Ms. Ratliff because of her ability to push politics aside and make independent decisions. That may be because she was not supported by either reformers or the union when she was elected.

He is not independent. His voting track record makes it crystal clear that he is heavily supported by teacher's unions and he votes as they want him to. Plus, his last campaign had millions of dollars from teachers unions. The teachers unions are too strong and they are pushing things that are not good for kids (like LIFO for example, which forces schools to lay off teachers based on seniority.... Not based on performance). Do you want the best teachers teaching your kids? Or the teachers who have seniority?

He's definitely not independent. His campaigns have always been supported almost 100% by teachers unions and he has to parrot their agenda. He has and always will push for what is best for the teachers' unions, not what's best for kids. Also, all of the political figures endorsing him are also heavily supported by teachers unions. Garcetti is heavily influenced by the Teachers Unions, but past mayors of LA Villaraigosa and Riordan are not... and they endorse Nick Melvoin. See the link showing where Zimmer's funds come from. There is no way he's independent. All the other candidates funding comes in from many different supporters - they aren't beholden to any one group - Steve is.