The storied education career of retired principal and superintendent George McKenna will continue, as McKenna defeated education policy advisor Alex Johnson in Tuesday’s school board race.

The subject of the 1986 TV movie “The George McKenna Story”, the retired educator will succeed the late Marguerite LaMotte in filling the District 1 seat on the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Board of Education.

McKenna defeated Johnson with 53 percent of the vote. More than 28,000 ballots were cast. In a statement, McKenna said he overcame a three-to-one funding disadvantage.

“The community won and sent a message that District 1 is not for sale,” he said. “I am honored to succeed my long-time friend and colleague Marguerite Poindexter LaMotte. She was a champion for children and can never be replaced. I feel so privileged to have earned the trust and confidence of District 1 voters to be their school board representative.”

McKenna said Tuesday was an important day for the district, as it also marked the first day of school.

“Tonight, at dinner tables across our region children are telling stories about new adventures in learning, and teachers are assessing the day’s successes and challenges,” he said. “They all should know how proud I am to be their board member, and how committed I am to their success. I am here to help every student reach their God-given potential, and give every teacher the support they need to fulfill their calling to education.”

McKenna said the coalition of parents, community members and educators that the campaign has created will continue to work hard to transform the district and liberate children.

“Our task is not easy, but I welcome the challenge,” he added. “I have never accepted an easy assignment in my career, yet I have always improved the educational outcomes of children. I will draw on the best of my experience, assemble an able team of advisors, and work in partnership with parents, teachers and the community to pursue excellence in our schools. Let’s get to work.”

In a statement, Johnson congratulated McKenna and thanked his staff and supporters for the “strong showing” in the election.

“I’m proud of my campaign for school board and equally proud of the broad and diverse coalition of people my campaign was able to unite in our community’s fight for school improvement,” he said. “Parents, public education advocates, teachers, school bus drivers, teacher’s aides, cafeteria workers and custodians joined forces with labor, business and religious leaders to convey one strong, but simple message: Our kids are not alone in this fight.”

Johnson said he is proud of “the investment and commitment this coalition of empowered community members and leaders made to the future of our young people.” He also said he is humbled by the support.

“I’m humbled by the hard work you put in for the past eight months during my primary and runoff election campaigns,” Johnson said. “You supported my goal to bring change to the Los Angeles Unified School District and provide our children with a quality education that leads to college or career opportunity. We ran a very competitive race. I have you to thank for that effort. I appreciate you all very much for your unwavering support of my candidacy. My goal has not changed. My work is not done.”

A New Orleans native, McKenna started his education career as a math teacher for the LAUSD. He eventually served as principal of Washington Preparatory High School, which led to the TV movie.

McKenna also served as the superintendent of the Inglewood Unified School District, deputy superintendent of the Compton Unified School District and assistant superintendent of secondary school for Pasadena Unified School District.

McKenna is expected to officially take office later this month.