The Parent Empowerment Newsletter

Parents are “primary protectors” of children’s best interests

In Mirabelli et al v. Bonta et al, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that schools cannot facilitate student gender transitions without parental knowledge or…

Mar 4 • Philip P. Stemler

February 2026

How Much Should We Compensate Local Elected Officials?

Recent articles exposing local school board compensation raise the question.

Feb 27 • Philip P. Stemler

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Steve Hilton Leads CA Gov. Candidates in Fundraising

Hilton posted an impressive $4.1 million haul over the last six months, more than any other candidate and more than double the nearest Republican…

Feb 6 • Philip P. Stemler

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January 2026

Newport-Mesa Unified Just Deficit-spent $36 million

School districts across California face substantial budget shortfalls. Rocketing spending on administration is a huge reason why.

Jan 31 • Philip P. Stemler

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One-Year Anniversary & Look Ahead

Today marks the one-year anniversary of our very first post. A look at what we accomplished last year and the road ahead.

Jan 2 • Philip P. Stemler

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December 2025

School Policies Keeping Secrets from Parents Ruled Unconstitutional

In a major win for Parent Empowerment, a federal district court judge ruled in favor of parents and against California's school secrecy policies.

Dec 28, 2025 • Philip P. Stemler

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November 2025

Trustee Ashley Anderson: The NMUSD Cover Up

We have learned the Newport-Mesa Unified School District has been knowingly concealing Trustee Anderson's 12/13/22 hit and run for nearly three years.

Nov 15, 2025 • Philip P. Stemler

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The People v. Ashley Anderson

Why would NMUSD Trustee Ashley Anderson commit a hit and run on the same night she was sworn in as a trustee, 12/13/22?

Nov 6, 2025 • Philip P. Stemler

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October 2025

Return of Anti-Gang Program Prompts Progressive Meltdown at NMUSD

Rather than face accountability, Costa Mesa's progressive trustees no-showed the first 1 hour, 42 minutes of the 10/21/25 board meeting.

Oct 23, 2025 • Philip P. Stemler

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Legislature Waters Down Antisemitism Prevention Bill

Although the Legislature acknowledged anti-Jewish incidents make up 76% of all hate crimes, this purported antisemitism bill has no definition of…

Oct 13, 2025 • Philip P. Stemler

September 2025

Fighting Identity Politics

Now is the time to call out dangerous policies like Ethnic Studies that have grown out of identity politics.

Sep 12, 2025 • Philip P. Stemler

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August 2025

I'm on an Ethnic Studies panel, and a Thank You!

Mark your calendars: on 9/4 from 4-6 pm, I will be discussing the future of CA's Ethnic Studies mandate with the author of the mandate, a history…

Aug 20, 2025 • Philip P. Stemler

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