Darrel Menthe Launches Bid for CCUSD Board of Education
Menthe currently serves on the Culver City Planning Commission, the Culver City School District LCAP Parent Committee, the Culver City Police Chief's Advisory Panel, and was on the Culver City Finance Advisory Committee from 2018-2023.
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Community advocate and non-profit Executive Director Darrel Menthe declared his candidacy for the Culver City Unified School District Board Thursday. Menthe is running to restore confidence in Culver City schools and ensure every student has the resources they need to strive for excellence.
As part of the announcement, Menthe gave the following statement:
A proud parent of two Culver City high school students, I’ve seen firsthand how decisions made by the School Board impact our kids. When the Board voted to eliminate English honors classes, it hit home for my own children and every student who deserves the chance to excel. With the district facing looming deficits, we need solid leadership now more than ever. I’m running to make sure CCUSD will thrive, and to ensure every student has access to the opportunities and support they need to succeed.
Menthe has dedicated his career to strengthening communities, supporting local economic growth, and championing educational programs. A graduate of UC San Diego, Stanford Law School, and UCLA, Menthe brings both academic excellence and real-world experience to his work.
As Executive Director of the Culver City Downtown Business Association, he works closely with small businesses, city leaders, and community organizations to keep Culver City vibrant. From launching initiatives that helped Downtown Culver City survive the pandemic to creating programs that connect students, families, and local entrepreneurs, Menthe has focused on bringing people together to solve problems and deliver results.
The Culver City School Board is comprised of five at-large members. There are three seats up for the General Election which will take place on November 3, 2026.
About Darrel Menthe
Darrel Menthe learned what student-centered leadership looks like from a principal he admired — his mother.
As an educator who rose to become a superintendent, she passed on to Menthe a profound love for learning and commitment for connecting students to opportunities to succeed.
Menthe is running for Culver City School Board to restore confidence in our schools and ensure every student has the resources they need to strive for excellence.
A proud parent of two Culver City high school students and the Executive Director of the Culver City Downtown Business Association, Menthe will bring his deep knowledge of our business community and his experience building coalitions to champion academic excellence and create schools that foster the talents of all our kids.
After earning degrees from UC San Diego, Stanford Law School, and UCLA, Menthe began his career as a lawyer. But something was missing. The work left him feeling disconnected from his community—so he left “big law” behind to serve the city he loved.
That service was tested during the darkest days of the pandemic, when Culver City's Downtown faced an existential threat. As a volunteer leader with the Culver City Downtown Business Association, Menthe spearheaded the outdoor dining program that kept our small businesses alive. The result? Culver City didn't lose a single restaurant.
Now, as Executive Director, Menthe has built the community connections that make Culver City special—High School Senior Day, where local businesses celebrate our graduates, beloved holiday programs, and year-round celebrations that bring neighbors together.
When School Board members voted to eliminate English honors classes, it hit home. Not just for his own children, but for every student who wants a chance to excel. Combined with financial mismanagement at the school district, Menthe knew it was time to step up again.
As a Culver City Unified School Board Member, Menthe will work to:
- Fix CCUSD’s finances by putting resources where they belong
- Ensure students and parents can meet with a counselor
- Champion honors classes and programs that challenge students to reach their potential
- Cover AP class costs—just like LA Unified—so money is never a barrier to opportunity
- Reduce class sizes so every child gets the attention they deserve
Menthe's commitment to Culver City runs deep. He currently serves on the Culver City Planning Commission (Chairperson), the Culver City School District LCAP Parent Committee, the Culver City Police Chief's Advisory Panel, and was on the Culver City Finance Advisory Committee from 2018-2023. He has co-hosted the Taste of Culver City fundraiser for the Culver City Education Foundation since its inception and in 2024 was named Los Angeles County Democratic Party’s Democrat of the Year for AD55.
When he's not working to improve our community, you'll find Menthe and his family at Dodger Stadium obsessing over baseball or enjoying classic films at the Culver Theater's Monday Movie Madness nights.
Learn More: www.mentheforculvercity.com
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Paid for by Menthe for Culver City School Board 2026, FPPC ID#1487504 226 E. Canon Perdido #D, Santa Barbara CA 93101
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