GLENDALE — Shant Kevorkian, a Glendale Unified School District (GUSD) alumnus and longtime community advocate, has officially entered the race for the GUSD School Board, positioning his campaign around student advocacy, community unity, and the urgent need to preserve Armenian-American representation in local education leadership.
Kevorkian, currently a Master’s of Health Administration candidate and Dean’s Merit Scholar at USC, is the only recent GUSD graduate in the race, a distinction he says gives him a unique, firsthand understanding of the challenges students face today.
“I was fortunate to receive a strong foundation through GUSD—one that opened doors for me. Now, I want to ensure every student has access to those same opportunities,” Kevorkian said.
A Campaign Rooted in Experience and Advocacy
Kevorkian’s candidacy is built on years of involvement in Glendale’s educational and civic institutions. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Glendale Educational Foundation, the GUSD Citizen’s Bond Oversight Committee, and the Character and Ethics Project, while also contributing to the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission.
He is also the founding chair of the GUSD Alumni Association, an initiative aimed at reconnecting graduates with schools to build mentorship pipelines and long-term investment in student success.
For the past three years, Kevorkian has been a consistent presence at GUSD Board meetings, advocating for student safety, inclusion, and equitable access to resources.
“I’ve shown up, consistently, in the middle of difficult conversation —advocating for every student’s right to feel safe, included, and empowered,” he said.
A Personal Story That Reflects the Community
Kevorkian’s connection to Glendale, and to the Armenian-American community, is deeply personal.
After his family fled genocide and later war-torn Baghdad, they resettled in Glendale, where he says the Armenian community provided stability and opportunity.
“My life has been shaped by this community—from Armenian schools and churches to marches and activism. Every part of who I am is rooted in that experience,” Kevorkian noted.
That lived experience has fueled his commitment to ensuring Armenian voices remain present in local decision-making, especially at a time when that representation is at risk.
Armenian Representation at a Crossroads
With the retirement of the current Armenian-American board member, Kevorkian’s campaign highlights a critical moment for the community.
“We are at risk of losing Armenian representation on the School Board entirely. That cannot happen,” he emphasized.
As the only Armenian-American Democrat in the race, Kevorkian argues that maintaining representation is essential not just symbolically, but practically ensuring that the needs and concerns of Glendale’s large Armenian population are reflected in policy decisions.
A Platform Focused on Students and Community
Kevorkian’s platform centers on strengthening student outcomes while reinforcing ties between schools, families, and the broader community.
If elected, he says he will prioritize:
Better prepare students for career and life by expanding access to professional pathways, mental health support, and capability-building, real-world learning opportunities.
Advocate for increased resources and support for teachers and staff, who are the backbone of student success.
Expand alumni involvement by creating mentorship programs, strengthening college pathways, and developing and institutionalizing creative opportunities for long-term community investment.
Empower families with the information and resources they need to be informed, autonomous decision-makers. Ensuring student, family, and community, and labor voices are central to every major policy decision.
Champion inclusive, affirming school environments so every child feels safe being who they are and supported in reaching their full potential.
Protect every student’s right to learn without fear by strongly opposing any presence of ICE or immigration enforcement on our campuses to keep our schools safe places.
He has also taken a firm stance on protecting students from external pressures, including opposing immigration enforcement presence on school campuses.
“Every student deserves to learn in an environment free from fear,” Kevorkian said.
Strong Coalition of Support
Kevorkian’s campaign has already secured a broad coalition of endorsements from labor unions, advocacy groups, and community organizations, including the Glendale Teachers Association, Glendale College Guild, LA County Federation of Labor, and National United Healthcare Workers.
He has also received backing from Armenian-American organizations such as the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) and the Southern California Armenian Democrats, signaling strong support within the Armenian community.
Commitment to the Armenian-American Community
Beyond representation, Kevorkian has outlined a specific agenda aimed at strengthening Armenian-American institutions and economic opportunities.
His proposals include:
- Ensuring Armenian voices are actively included in policymaking
- Supporting Armenian small businesses through resources and internship pipelines
- Protecting and expanding Armenian institutions, including schools, churches, and cultural centers
- Building partnerships with key community organizations and religious institutions
“Representation is not just about presence—it’s about advocacy, outreach, and making sure our community’s voice is heard at every level,” he said.
A Call for Unity
Kevorkian’s campaign comes at a time of heightened tension within GUSD, where recent years have been marked by division and contentious board meetings.
Positioning himself as a unifying candidate, he says his focus will remain on collaboration and student well-being above all else.
“Our community needs leadership that brings people together and puts students first — always,” Kevorkian said.
