LAUSD Board Vice President Dr. Richard Vladovic

Message from Dr. Vladovic

2011-12-05T16:20:00.000-08:00

The Board recently voted to keep the early start calendar of schools to begin next school year. Although I have over 45 years of educational experience and have expressed many worries, the Board voted 3-4 to continue with the plans to start early next school year. The board is a democracy and I did my best to voice our concerns and get a majority vote, but we still lost.

In July 2010, former Superintendent Cortines proposed the introduction of the early start calendar. I said then, as I have said now, that I have concerns and questions. A few months ago in October, I introduced a motion to postpone the implementation of the early start calendar. The motion suggested the District wait until we are in better economic times and have data to support this calendar change is good for kids.

I am very concerned about how the new early start calendar will affect our ability to have a school properly staffed and ready to begin the new school year. We are required by State law to inform all teachers by March 15 that they may be laid off based on a worst case scenario budget. We can’t rescind layoff notices until Sacramento passes their budget. If Sacramento passes their budget after July, we will be hard pressed for a smooth opening. It now looks like the budget might not pass until late August.

I have also asked for the data that supports this major change to our instructional calendar. I have always said that I will err on the side of students. The parents and teachers that I have spoken to said they don’t support this change. I have no problem taking the heat to make the change if it is better for kids, but there is no data to support this. Yes, the senior high school calendar aligns better with the early start calendar, but I am interested in kids performing better.

So here we go – much to my chagrin!

Below is a timeline of the history of the early start calendar issue

In the spring of 2010, the Board of Education approved the adoption of an alternate experimental Early Start Instructional Calendar for 2011-2012 for 17 high schools and one elementary school.

In July 2010, then-Superintendent Ramon C. Cortines requested that the Office of School Operations and School Management Services explore the options of implementing a District-Wide Early Start Instructional Calendar for all single-track schools for the 2011-2012 school year.

In December of 2010, the Board of Education approved the adoption of a District-Wide Early Start Instructional Calendar for the 2011-2012 school year for all single-track schools.

In February of 2011, then-Superintendent Cortines and the Board decided to defer for at least one year the implementation of the District-Wide Early Start Instructional Calendar due in large part to the fiscal challenges and massive layoffs then anticipated to be implemented for 2011-2012 because of the uncertainty of State funding.

In September of 2011, Superintendent Deasy requested to once again delay the early start calendar and was voted down by the Board.

In October of 2011, I brought my motion to the Board to delay the early start calendar but was also voted down.

Perfect CST Scores at Barrett Elementary School!

2011-12-05T16:19:00.000-08:00

We are happy to congratulate Jorge Garcia, 3^rd grader at Barrett Elementary School, who achieved perfect California Standardized Test scores in both English Language Arts and Math. We know that these achievements are a reflection of great teachers, a supportive administration and parental involvement. Keep up the great work! (Left to Right: Ms. Garcia, Jorge Garcia, Teacher Mrs. Harris, Principal Robinson)

Sprite Awards $25,000 to Willenberg Special Education Center

2011-12-05T16:18:00.000-08:00

In October, during the half-time break of a skillful display of soccer skills by the students of Willenberg Special Education Center, Sprite awarded the school with $25,000 to renovate their school’s playground. Principal Tina Mangoian was happy to receive this award that will provide the students with a newer and safer playground. Thank you, Sprite!

San Pedro Football

2011-12-05T14:54:00.003-08:00

We willlike to congratulate the San Pedro High School Football team for their historicwin number 500 on Friday September 29, 2011. With a good amount of keyoffensive and defensive returners from last year, Coach Mike Walsh and hisPirates hosted West Adams Preparatory High School and beat the Panthers 27-7 byusing the shotgun formation for the first time during Walsh’s tenure as SanPedro’s Head Coach .

With morethan 180 wins and five CIF-Los Angeles City Section championships, and oneundefeated season in 21 seasons, this is a well-deserved win for Coach MikeWalsh. We know that he will continue to inspire our students, school, community,and help lead the way to more championships.

Recovery Day

2011-12-05T14:54:00.001-08:00

September 23 was the day my staff joined 716 LAUSD volunteers for a districtwide day of recovery of students labeled as no shows at their school sites. We walked the neighborhoods of Peary Middle School and Gardena High School looking to help return students to those campuses. Districtwide 2552 home visits were made and we have successfully returned 986 students to their classrooms. A good quality education starts with the student showing up for class, I am so proud to see so many students returning to their studies.

Your Voice Counts

2011-12-05T14:19:00.001-08:00

It’s becoming more and more evident how deeply the economyis struggling. California’s Department of Finance recently stated that the state’stax revenue through August lagged $596 million behind projections. Unfortunatelyone of the sectors in society that gets the most hurt during tough economictimes is education. In California, where education is terribly underfunded andsubsists on tax revenue it helps to have voters express the importance ofeducation by calling their elected officials to advocate for students and theirfutures. In the past three years, LAUSD has been forced to eliminate more than5,900 teacher, counselor, nurse, librarian and administrator positionsresulting in more than 2,700 layoffs. Similarly, 4,900 certificated andclassified employees have been laid off in the last two years. Further cuts tothe district will leave it to shambles in a few years and we cannot allow educationto remain at the bottom of the state’s priority list. We have provided thelinks below to connect with your elected officials and voice your concern forfunding public education. Another link further describing the budget realitiesthe school district is grappling with has also been provided.

http://192.234.213.69/lmapsearch/framepage.asp

http://budgetrealities.lausd.net/

Carson High School's New Track & Field

2011-12-05T14:15:00.001-08:00

On October 28, at their homecoming game we dedicated the track and field to the students of Carson High School. It was a long process, but the hard work of many dedicated people paid off and we finally got them the field they deserved. I am proud I was able to secure them over $ 3 million in approved bond dollars for this project.

A Tribute to Music & LAUSD

2011-12-05T14:12:00.001-08:00

Music is such an important part of our lives. A song can take you back to a memory of your youth or can help you put in words the feelings you have inside. At the October 18, Committee of the Whole, I recognized the contribution many amazing music teachers have made to the world of music entertainment. Here is a small list of some of the many recording artists that have come from LAUSD schools:

The Cadillacs

The Platers

Etta James

THe Penguins

Big Jay McNeely

Ritchie Valens

Herb Alpert

Los Lobos

Judy Garland

William James Adams, Jr. (will.i.am) Philip Price

David Roback

Lou Adler

Paula Abdul

Gerald Albright

Michael “Flea” Balzary

Leon “Ndugu” Chancellor

Norm Granz

Tyrese Gibson

Anthony Kiedis

Dave Koz

Jerry Lieber

Rickey Minor

Patrice Rushen

Mike Stoller

John Williams

Goodbye and Good Luck

2011-09-12T14:50:00.000-07:00

This past June, my Chief of Staff David Kooper left my office to take over as Principal at Gulf Avenue Elementary School in Wilmington. He has helped the Board of Education develop innovative District policies and procedures as well as been a great friend to the schools and communities of Board District 7.

His new assignment began July 1^st and he has hit the ground running. Gulf Avenue Elementary School is an elementary school with a student population of over 1000 students. Thankfully, the “Harry Bridges Span School” will open next year which will allow Gulf Avenue Elementary School to return to a traditional calendar school with about 250 less students on campus.

David is an exceptional leader who possesses the skills required to continue the significant academic progress happening at Gulf over the past decade. This past week, the LAUSD learned that Gulf had reached an Academic Performance Index score of 805! Gulf now joins Wilmington Park Elementary School and Hawaiian Elementary Schools as 800 schools in Wilmington.

I wish David the best of luck this year at Gulf and thank him for the wonderful job he did representing the constituents of the Los Angeles Unified School District as my Chief of Staff.

Rancho Dominguez Preparatory School Opens

2011-09-12T14:39:00.000-07:00

On September 7, 2011, what was formerly known as South Region High School #4 will open as Rancho Dominguez Preparatory School with four academies: the Juanita Millender-McDonald Academy for Law, Government and Public Service, the Engineering, Technology and Design Academy, Jenny Oropeza Global Studies Academy, and the Randal D. Simmons Freshman Success Academy. School facilities shared by all the academies include performing arts classrooms, a state-of-the art library, multipurpose room, central administration, 2 gymnasiums, food service, lunch shelter, playfields and underground parking. This beautiful construction was done in response to a real need in the community to relieve overcrowding at Carson High School, Banning High School and Carnegie Middle School. There were students who got bussed to Gardena or Banning High School because Carson High did not have the seat capacity for all the students. There were also middle school students who walked miles through long industrial corridors to get to their nearest middle school, Carnegie Middle School. The opening of Rancho Dominguez Preparatory School answers the community’s need for a local school that is not overcrowded and it will be on a single track calendar accommodating 6^th-11^th grade the first year and will have 6^th-12^th grade the following years after that. The vision for the Lobos or the wolves, which is the Dominguez Prep mascot, is to produce college-prepared, career-ready graduates who are creative, empowered, ethically responsible and engaged critical thinkers who demonstrate a global perspective. We look forward to welcome the Lobos this school year!!

Welcome Back

2011-09-12T14:36:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe but it's that time of the year again - the beginning of a new school year. Welcome back! I am excited to see the students and families arriving to the first day if school eager to see their friends and new classes. This year the first day of school included three new High Schools in my District, Board District 7. These three new schools will run on traditional calendars and serve to represent the promise of ending year-round schooling for good. Every student deserves the best education and year round school is not good for our students. At the beginning of the school year for 2012, Los Angeles Unified School District will end the year round calendar.

The last three years have been very difficult with the State cutting our budget by almost 2 Billion dollars. However, despite this setback, our LAUSD community and family have stepped up to the plate to continue our academic achievements. We have seen significant gains in our students passing the CAHSEE which represent an increase in math and science proficiency. Traditionally our mathematic scores lagged behind English language arts, but for the first time our mathematics scores are the same as English language arts. Our CAHSEE percentage growth was double the States growth. We have also seen significant growth in our API. LAUSD had the highest points growth in the State for urban districts. This is also our fourth consecutive year of double digit growth.

“I’m In” to healthy living.

2011-09-12T14:31:00.000-07:00

A.C. Green, former basketball star of the Los Angeles Lakers is definitely in! On Aug. 29, 2011, he partnered with LAUSD to launch the “I’m In” campaign, which is a district-wide initiative to promote school attendance, healthy lifestyle choices and high academic student achievement. This effort to fight childhood obesity and prevent students from dropping out was launched at the new Rancho Dominguez Preparatory School in Carson with the help of LAUSD’s Food Services Division and the support of Los Angeles County Renew LA Grant. Ongoing celebrity appearances will be part of the campaign to continuously encourage student attendance. Schools with most improved attendance will win a “lunch with a celebrity” reward. To encourage healthy eating a new student-driven menu was also released with entrées that are made with only fresh vegetables that are never frozen and recipes that will please students’ taste buds. Among the student approved dishes are the Greek salad, roasted chicken and the tostada salad. The “I’m In” movement to eat healthy, exercise, get rest and attend school promotes the importance of personal responsibility to make choices outside the classroom that affect success inside the classroom. The only question that rests for students, parents and community: are YOU in?

Johnston High School renaming ceremony.

2011-09-09T15:19:00.000-07:00

I am proud of the achievements we have made together and this is only the beginning. From San Pedro to Watts, together we will reach our academic goals. I wish everyone a healthy, happy and productive school year.

On Monday July 18^th, members of the LAUSD community, San Pedro community, and friends and family of William J. Johnston came together to celebrate the renaming of Cooper Community Day School to the William J. Johnston High School. Also in attendance were LAUSD Board Vice President Dr. Richard Vladovic and Superintendent Dr. John Deasy.

Dr. Johnston began his career with the Los Angeles Unified School District in the early fifties. He started off as a Math Teacher and Basketball Coach. He then moved on to become Principal, Assistant Superintendent of the Adult and Career Educational Division, and finally ended his career at LAUSD by serving as Superintendent for a decade from 1971-1981.

Among his many accomplishments as Superintendent, he established the All-District Honors Band, which unites 300 students from throughout LAUSD. The band has performed in the Rose Bowl Parade, at the World Series, at Super Bowls, inauguration and Olympic ceremonies, and much more.

It was an honor for Board Member Vladovic to present the action to the rest of the Board to name the school after Dr. Johnston. The naming of the school was a well-deserved honor for a man that not only was a great educator, he is an inspiration, a patriot, and a hero for many that are part of the Los Angeles Unified School District.

The API Scores Are In!

2011-09-09T13:32:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to all the schools who improved their API scores this past year. We had thirty seven schools score over the eight hundred mark! The Gold Standard for the State. Eighty-four schools improved their API by ten or more points. With the financial challenges we all faced this past year I know these gains are due to the incredibly hard working teachers and administrators, all with the support and encouragement of parents, at our wonderful schools. I look forward to working with my school families this academic year and watching our scores reach even higher next year.

End of Year and so long to my Chief of Staff David Kooper

2011-06-27T12:59:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the graduating class of 2011 and all of our wonderful students that have completed another year of schooling. These past 4 years have been a trial to our communities and our schools as education continues to get slashed up and down the state. Despite these financial trials, I am very proud of what has been accomplished these past 4 years. Student Achievement is UP, Graduation rates are UP, CAHSEE pass rates are UP, and more students are leaving school ready to further their education or enter the job market.

Over the past two weeks, I participated in a variety Graduation and Culmination exercises. From Pre K to Adult School, our students are stepping up to the plate and taking control over their futures. Our employees continue to be a beacon of bright light this year. They have excelled in difficult situations both personally, and professionally. We are all joined together with the understanding that we are here to help kids and ensure that every child has an opportunity to succeed in school and in life.

The end of my 4th year on the Board is also met with sadness, as my Chief of Staff David Kooper leaves my office to take over as Principal at Gulf Avenue Elementary School in Wilmington. He has helped the Board of Education develop innovative District policies and procedures as well as been a great friend to the schools and communities of Board District 7. Although I am excited for David, I am sad to see him go as he was truly a wonderful asset for my Board District.

Please join me in congratulating David on his new role as we welcome my new Chief of Staff Jacob Haik.

Elementary School Named After Lifelong LAUSD Educator

2011-06-15T16:32:00.000-07:00

Elementary School Named After Lifelong LAUSD Educator

Dr. Lawrence H. Moore Elementary School Will Honor Legacy, Contributions of District Retiree

Los Angeles—The Los Angeles Board of Education on Tuesday voted to name South Region Elementary School #12 in honor of Dr. Lawrence H. Moore, a retired Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) exemplary educator who served for 39 years in the District. The campus, currently under construction in Board District 7, is scheduled to open fall 2012 and will be called Dr. Lawrence H. Moore Elementary School.

“Dr. Moore’s achievements are remarkable,” said Dr. Richard Vladovic, Vice President of the Los Angeles Board of Education, who represents Board District 7 where the school is located. “He holds numerous academic degrees and credentials, and Dr. Moore has been involved in community affairs through his active participation in several education-related organizations. Furthermore, his enthusiasm, innovativeness, and genuine concern for improving the educational outcomes for all students have been exemplary and distinguish him as a role model for students and staff of the community for which this school is named in his honor.”

Dr. Moore, who attended the board meeting with his family, thanked members of the board for naming a LAUSD school after him. “Thank you for the honor of naming this school Dr. Lawrence H. Moore,” he said after his wife, Laverne, a retired LAUSD administrator, read remarks on her husband’s behalf.

Joining in the praise of Dr. Moore was Board Member Marguerite LaMotte, Board of Education Vice President Dr. Richard Vladovic, and LAUSD Local District 7 Superintendent George McKenna. “Dr. Moore is a champion for children and a dedicated public servant who motivated us to say, ‘why not?’ ” said Dr. McKenna.

“Thank you for what you’ve done for the kids of this District,” added LaMotte.

Moore’s career in the Los Angeles Unified School District began in September 1961 and he served as an elementary school teacher, a special education teacher, an adult education teacher, a vice-principal and principal. In addition, Moore held administrative positions as Director of Instruction; a Cluster Administrator; Coordinator, and Director of Professional Development.

Upon his retirement from the District in June 2000, he continued teaching as a substitute teacher in the LAUSD through June 30, 2002.

Moore also taught as an adjunct professor in the Department of Education at California State University, Northridge (CSUN).

Moore’s commitment to education extends beyond the classroom. Over the years he has earned several recognitions and honors including the Charter College of Education Distinguished Educator Award, the Honorable Augustus F. Hawkins’ Distinguished Service Award, the Association of California School Administrators’ Outstanding Administrator, the Granada Hills Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Service Award, and the Council of Black Administrators’ Diane E. Watson Award.

Message from Dr. Vladovic

2011-06-10T12:04:00.000-07:00

Message from Dr. V

With the school year winding down and our students and employees looking forward to a well deserved summer vacation, I wanted to express my deepest thanks to our wonderful employees who have given so much to our students everyday for the past school year. You have provided our students needed stability and a first rate educational experience and have given our students every opportunity to be successful for another year.

I also wanted to discuss a new program that will be coming to schools in the coming weeks. I am very proud to have sponsored the Healthy Students, Healthy Families, and Healthy Communities resolution which will provide our students, their families, and the surrounding communities with the excess food that was not eaten during the traditional school day. Partnering with community groups, non-profits, and local food banks, this new initiative can provide hundreds of meals to our local communities everyday to help in this very difficult time. I am honored to lead this initiative but I am also working with food services to more accurately plan for the appropriate amount of meals a school needs on any given day to reduce our costs in this very difficult budget environment.

I wish you all a very good summer filled with family and friends. Thank you as well to our wonderful multi-track schools that will still be in session supporting our families and students for one last year until we are able to take every student in the LAUSD off of a multi-track calendar on to a traditional calendar.

Carson High School Softball Team Champions

2011-06-02T13:30:00.001-07:00

Carson players and coaches celebrate winning their first L.A. City Section softball championship with a 6-3 victory over El Camino Real, which was denied its 14th title. (Michael Owen Baker, Staff Photographer Daily Breeze)

The Carson High School softball team won their first L.A. City Section softball championship on Friday May 27^th at Cal State Northridge. The Carson Lady Colts took on the top seed El Camino Real Conquistadores and won 6-3. Going into the championship game, Carson had held their past four opponents to scoreless games. It didn’t take long for El Camino Real to break that streak, scoring two runs in the first inning. But with Carson pitcher Crystal Maas stepping up her game by not allowing any hits after the fourth inning and El Camino Real committing six errors, the Colts came back to win and take home the trophy. Congratulations ladies, we are proud of you!

L.A. Unified to give leftover meals to nonprofits that feed needy

2011-05-28T19:27:00.000-07:00

L.A. Unified to give leftover meals to nonprofits that feed needy

The district expects about 200 agencies eventually will want to receive the uneaten student lunches that previously had been thrown out.

By Mary MacVean, Los Angeles Times

May 29, 2011

The Los Angeles Unified School District has offered up to 21,000 uneaten meals it has each day to nonprofit organizations that feed the hungry.
"We are very excited to have the opportunity to share," said Dennis Barrett, head of the district's food services. "We really don't want any food to go to waste."
Barrett outlined the program to about 75 agency representatives at a meeting last week. He said he expects that about 200 agencies eventually will want to take part.

"It's a phenomenal program. It's so forward-thinking," said Linda Hess, who runs Urban Harvester, which works to connect donors and organizations in need.
Avner Nishery of the Venice Food Bank said his organization — which feeds 276 families a month — can use school food.
"Our hearts are big, but the means are dwindling every day," said Osas Otasowie, community outreach specialist for the Mission City Community Network in Inglewood, who said her organization will try to find a way to collect the food to give to clients.
Nonprofit organizations that want the school food have been asked to fill out an application, including the campuses they might like as partners. Once food services makes a match, the organizations will work with cafeteria managers and are responsible for picking up the food and following all food safety regulations.
Officials said they hope pickups can start in a couple of weeks, but admit there could be some growing pains as they connect recipients to schools in the sprawling, 700-square-mile district. They also will work with recipients to deal with such issues as certain foods that can't be donated for medical or religious reasons.
David Binkle, deputy director of food services, told the nonprofits that the donations are the "right thing to do."
"It's our students that need it. It's our communities, our parents, our families that your organizations are serving," he said.
The district estimates that more than 13,000 students are homeless.
L.A. Unified serves 650,000 meals a day at about 1,000 locations. Leftovers can include packaged foods such as granola bars or cereal, entrees, fruit, vegetables and milk, Binkle said. The amount available will vary by school and by the day, from a few meals to perhaps 20, Barrett said.
Food is uneaten because cafeteria managers' estimates of how much they will need of a particular item don't always match consumption. In addition, the federal school lunch program sometimes requires more food to be served than a child wants to eat, Binkle said.
The idea for the program came from a resident who in February asked school board member Richard Vladovic why uneaten food was discarded, said Vladovic's chief of staff, David Kooper.
Kooper said the program probably will work best with neighborhood-based organizations.
Vladovic's office couldn't find other school districts to use as a model. The Los Angeles Board of Education approved the program last month.
mary.macvean@latimes.com

San Pedro High School Student Captures Best of Category in Science Awards

2011-05-28T01:24:00.000-07:00

(Photo Credit from Daily Breeze)
Adrienne McColl, an 18-year-old student from San Pedro High School, was one of 17 students from 65 countries who captured "best of category" in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, at Los Angeles Convention Center. Her project consisted of finding the appropriate food for California spiny lobsters raised in captivity. Adrienne's lobsters were on a diet of larval fish and survived for nearly six months, which was longer than anyone else.

Adrienne also received a first place award in animal biology, $8000 and thanks to MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), she will also have the privilege to name an asteroid. Her hard work is also not going unnoticed by her supervisors at the San Pedro aquarium. Adrienne will mentor other young researchers at aquarium's aquatic nursery facility during the summer, a job that normally goes to a college student.

AAPA Holds Scholarship Award Banquet

2011-05-28T01:17:00.000-07:00

The Alliance of Asian/ Pacific Administrators (AAPA) held their annual Scholarship Award Banquet on Wednesday May 18^th. Students from all over LAUSD were honored by AAPA with a $2,000 scholarship to help them with their college journey that they will embark on this fall. Two of the honored students are Casey T. Ellis and Tina Tran from Board District 7.

Casey T. Ellis currently attends King/ Drew Magnet High School and will be attending the University of Southern California (USC). Tina Tran currently attends Carson High School and will be attending the University of California Irvine (UCI). Both students were thankful and grateful to have been able to receive their scholarship. We will like to extend or deepest gratitude to AAPA for working so hard to be able to provide hope for our students. You remind us that helping our students succeed in their future is very important because without them, there is no future to look forward to.

LAUSD AND UTLA REACH TENTATIVE JOBS AND SERVICES RESTORATION AGREEMENT

2011-05-27T16:05:00.000-07:00

News Release

For Immediate Release May 27, 2011

Contact: Tom Waldman and Lydia L. Ramos #10/11-365

(213) 241-6766

LAUSD AND UTLA REACH TENTATIVE JOBS AND SERVICES RESTORATION AGREEMENT

Los Angeles – LAUSD Superintendent John Deasy announced today the District has reached a tentative contract agreement in partnership and collaboration with United Teachers Los Angeles for 2011-12 to save jobs. The agreement calls for the union’s membership to take four furlough days, or fewer, in 2011-12 if the State’s budget picture improves.

“I want to thank UTLA for working with us to provide a solution for next year that brings stability – and the majority of our employees – back to the classroom,” said Deasy. “I’m very pleased to be able to retain the current class sizes, and positions and programs such as magnet coordinators, School Readiness Language Development Program (SRLDP), Options program, arts programs, Library Media Teachers, and adult education at the 2010-11 level.”

Under this agreement for 2011-12, 3,402 positions will be restored, including 1,722 elementary and secondary teaching jobs as well as 1,680 positions, including adult educators, arts educators, counselors, Library Media Teachers, nurses, options teachers, ROC-ROP instructors, SRLDP teachers, and magnet school positions. An additional 1,700 classroom and non-classroom (counselors, school psychologists, PSA counselors, and psychiatric social workers) positions are anticipated to be created or saved as a result of local school budget decisions and retirements.

Deasy cautioned that the success of the agreement is contingent upon Governor Brown’s proposed budget being approved by the Legislature. He noted that the District and its various bargaining partners are “relying on maximum trust” that Sacramento will support the Governor’s proposal for education funding.

“Should the actual, approved state budget and revenue limit come in above our proposed budget,” said Deasy, “we will be in a position to incrementally reduce the number of furlough days for all our bargaining partners. However, these education revenues must be fully-funded, not deferred and without restrictions.”

The Superintendent added that should the revenue limit come in below the proposed level, UTLA’s members will be required to take up to six furlough days to mitigate the impact of the loss of revenue. “If there is huge decline in revenues,” said Deasy, “the District and all of its bargaining partners will be compelled to reopen negotiations.”

“While this agreement does not restore all the cuts -- because our schools are still drastically under-funded -- it goes a long way toward providing the resources and personnel for our students to succeed,” said Deasy. “In the meantime, all those who care about public education in this state must continue to apply pressure on Sacramento to fund education above the current pathetic, sub-standard levels.”

As a result of the Governor’s May Revise budget released on May 16 and authorization from the Los Angeles County Office of Education, LAUSD will apply $154 million of a 2010-11 State IOU cash deferral to address the District’s $408 million deficit and Feb. 15 package of budget reductions for 2011-12. This,

along with furlough day agreements from UTLA and five other unions for 2011-12, will help stabilize LAUSD’s classrooms and services for the upcoming school year only.

The announcement of the tentative agreement with UTLA means that only the Teamsters and California School Employee Association unions have not yet reached an agreement with the District for 2011-12.

“I would like to thank our Board for its clear direction and unwavering support to further enhance the educational program for our students,” Deasy said.

###

LAUSD board member Vladovic launches program donating surplus meals to pantries

2011-05-26T17:41:00.000-07:00

LAUSD board member Vladovic launches program donating surplus meals to pantries

By Connie Llanos Staff Writer

Posted: 05/26/2011 01:49:23 PM PDT

Updated: 05/26/2011 01:49:36 PM PDT

With a menu of mystery meat, tasteless vegetables and bland sandwiches, school cafeteria food has never been classified as gourmet eats.
Even recent improvements that introduced healthier versions of kids' favorites have failed to appeal to the palates of some of the pickier students.
As a result, Los Angeles Unified discards an estimated 20,000 meals a day - that's 3.7 million a year - even as some families in the sprawling school district are struggling to put food on the table at home.
In an effort to correct this trend, school board member Richard Vladovic has launched a program that allows the district to donate surplus and uneaten meals to pantries and nonprofit agencies for distribution to needy families.
"In this time when so many of our families are doing without, doggone it, we all ought to be helping each other out more," Vladovic said Wednesday.
The school board last month approved the Healthy Students, Healthy Families, and Healthy Communities program, allowing schools to donate surplus and unused food.
In the past, stringent federal and state regulations required the district to discard the uneaten meals, said Dennis Barrett, LAUSD Los Angeles Unified's director of food services.
Recent court rulings and changes in the law have eased those restrictions, although there still are guidelines to be followed for transporting and storing donated food.
The program is expected to be a boon to nonprofit groups facing agrowing caseload.

"There are so many pantries struggling with bare cupboards and a growing demand from their communities," said Richard Weinroth, who oversees the food bank at Meet Each Need with Dignity in Pacoima.
"It's fantastic that LAUSD is now going to be helping out with this issue, and we can be assured that these meals meet food safety regulations, which is also a real benefit to us as well."
Organizations interested in participating in the district's program can call 213-241-2993.
connie.llanos@dailynews.com, 818-713-3634

AALA Members Ratify Furlough Agreement

2011-05-24T15:21:00.000-07:00

LAUSD STUDENTS CONTINUE TO MAKE GAINS ON THE 2011 CALIFORNIA HIGH SCHOOL EXIT EXAM (CAHSEE)

2011-05-23T18:59:00.000-07:00

Contact: Susan Cox (213) 241-6766 May 23, 2011

#10/11-354
LAUSD STUDENTS CONTINUE TO MAKE GAINS ON THE 2011 CALIFORNIA HIGH SCHOOL EXIT EXAM (CAHSEE)

Los Angeles—As of March, 65 percent of all current 10th graders in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) have successfully passed both parts of the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) on their first try. It is the highest pass rate recorded for classes of 10th graders since the exam was first required in 2003-04.
In addition, 85 percent of current 12th grade students in the District have passed both parts of the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) for the same time period, according to figures recently released by the California Department of Education.
All California public school students must pass both the English language arts and mathematics portion of the CAHSEE, and meet state and District course requirement, in order to receive a high school diploma.

The latest CAHSEE pass rate for 10th grade students in the LAUSD increased three percentage points when compared to the same time period during the last school year. That 65 percent pass rate reflects a steady increase from the 44 percent of 10th graders who passed both parts of the exam on their first try seven years ago when the test was introduced. All 10th graders take the CAHSEE for the first time in either February or March.

“The advances from the previous year indicate that we are making progress toward the District’s goal of 100 percent graduation,” said LAUSD Superintendent John Deasy. “Working together, I am confident that we will succeed in ensuring that all students graduate from LAUSD college-prepared and career-ready.”
The 85 percent pass rate for 12th graders and the 77 percent pass rate for 11th graders kept pace with previous year classes.
These latest results continue a trend of steady gains in the District’s CAHSEE pass rates among 10th graders. Pass rates rose three percentage points for Latino students, and two percentage points for English Learners and Reclassified English Learners, from the previous year.

District officials attributed the improvement in pass rates to the administration of the CAHSEE Diagnostic as a practice test for ninth and 10th grade students. Current tenth graders first took the CAHSEE Diagnostic test in the ninth grade, and, if necessary, again in the 10th grade. Those who failed the CAHSEE Diagnostic test were offered tiered intervention, based on which part of the exam they failed. The CAHSEE Diagnostic test will continue to be administered to ninth and 10th graders next year.

“These gains can be absolutely attributed to the hard work and dedication of school site teachers, administrators, counselors and our parents. Last year, we implemented the CAHSEE Diagnostic for ninth graders and 10th graders who had not passed the exam the first go-round,” said Judy Elliott, Chief Academic Officer for the LAUSD.

“The increase in first-time pass rates is due to the practice on the test and most importantly, the direct and tailored CAHSEE intervention that was revamped and implemented this year. We now offer tiered interventions for all students during the bell, as well as beyond the bell. Finally, it reflects great collaboration across offices and adults, based on data and student need,” she added.

There is a make-up opportunity for students in May who may have missed the previous administration of the test, and for 11th and 12th graders that still need to pass the exam. However, education officials say the recently released March data provides a good indication of how many students passed the exam in the 10th grade.

Curtiss MS Students heading to Washington D.C.

2011-05-20T11:53:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the help of Board Vice President Dr. Richard Vladovic and many other wonderful donors, parents, and community partners, Curtiss Middle School was able to raise enough money for ten 8th grade students to travel to Washington DC. In October 2010, students and parents were invited to sign up for the trip and the fundraising began to cover the trip cost. Enough money was raised and now, not only are the students visiting Washington DC, they have also been given the honor to visit the White House.

On Monday May 24, they will take their tour of the White House. The following day, they will meet with Congresswoman Laura Richardson at the Capitol Meeting. The students have also been enrolled in a program that will allow them to gain high school Credit. We will like to thank every one that has worked so hard to make this possible. You have been able to give these students a gift and experience they will remember forever. We would especially like to thank Michelle Wicks for putting all this together, always beating the drum for educational equity and exposure, and for going the extra mile for our students.

Name of students who are attending are: Anika Baker, Desmond Byrd, Devin Darrington, Timothy Hornsby, Sierra Jordan, Julaya Polard, Cheyanne Smith, Eiress Wicks, Clarke Winbush, and Daniel Wheeler.

Markham,Gompers and Carver Middle Schools' Students Honored by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa

2011-05-18T13:16:00.000-07:00

On Monday May 9, four students from Board District 7 were honored with the Partnership for Los Angeles Schools award. Omar Solano and Kevin Maurice from Markham Middle School, De’jon Sutphen from Gompers Middle School, and Gary Gayle from Carver Middle School received the award from Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and along with ten other students from other schools, will all be part Melanie Lundquist Fellows Program.

These students will participate in the program because they have shown they have excellent abilities that will lead to a future in leadership. The program includes a scholarship, various opportunities for them to meet leaders of Los Angeles. Staff from Board Member Dr. Vladovic’s office were there to present the students with a certificate and remind them not to give up on all there hard work.

Letter to Employees from Superintendent John Deasy

2011-05-16T17:52:00.000-07:00

Dear LAUSD family,

We applaud the Governor for presenting a sustainable compromise in his “May Revise” where he includes the State’s recent increase in revenues in his projections for 2011-12. Governor Brown is honoring the State’s commitment to Prop. 98 by doing away with some of the games and gimmicks of borrowing from schools to pay the state’s bills. Our children cannot and never could afford to pay the State’s wall of debt.

The May Revise gives us some light at the dark end of the funding tunnel. We are basically getting what was promised to us as an IOU in the past. However, the overall budget picture is still bleak and uncertain. We will continue to look to our labor partners to help save as many jobs as possible.

We also urge the Legislature to pass this budget as soon as possible so our schools can operate with greater stability. This May Revise is dependent on the voters agreeing to protect education in a November general election. If that budget proposition fails, the Governor estimates that the funding problem will grow twice as bad as it is now for 2011-12. Nothing is more important than providing our schools with sustainable funding because the 2012-13 deficit looks even worse.

Our district has been fortunate to utilize millions of dollars for our neediest schools through the Quality Education Investment Act grant. Last week, the Republicans proposed to suspend QEIA as a way to help balance the State’s budget. We ask where is the educational justification for cutting funding at the highest achieving schools by $16 per student and simultaneously slashing funding by nearly tenfold to the lowest-performing schools by $157 per student? QEIA is an investment, not a door prize for the lucky few.

Our bottom line is that we need to continue to find ways to save every job possible with the help of our labor partners. Today’s news gives us some hope and we will work day and night to find ways to create sustainable solutions so our teachers and other employees can keep preparing our students for success.

Sincerely,

Dr. John E. Deasy

Assemblyman Furutani joins LAUSD Board Member Vladovic's Staff at Banning High School For Career Tech Ed Best Practices Demonstration

2011-05-16T17:28:00.000-07:00

Assemblyman Furutani joins LAUSD Board Member Vladovic's Staff at Banning High School For Career Tech Ed Best Practices Demonstration. The event was inspired by Banning High School's exemplary implementation of Career Tech Ed curriculum and classes offered. The Assemblyman and State Superintendent of Education Tom Torlakson were on hand to call for support of legislation that would give students credits toward graduation for one career-technical course in lieu of a required foreign language or arts course. We thank the Assemblyman and the State Superintendent of Public Education for visiting our school and recognizing the great work happening at Banning High School.

On another note, as finances continue to decline for our District, Dr. Vladovic's staff as well as the LAUSD Superintendent Dr. John Deasy, continued to lobby the State Superintendent to push back the CELDT testing date so the District as well as other Districts in the state, can reclassify more ELD students in our District while providing adequate preparation time as the current exam happens in the beginning of the school year.

As the budget continues to worsen, it is also very important that the parents and elected officials of our District put pressure on the State to ensure that the State pays the district what it owes us instead of providing IOU's and forcing our District to borrow money to pay the bills. Currently, the State owes the District over $100 million dollars.

LAUSD STATEMENT FROM SUPERINTENDENT DR. JOHN DEASY ON GOVERNOR’S “MAY REVISE” BUDGET

2011-05-16T17:09:00.001-07:00

LAUSD STATEMENT FROM SUPERINTENDENT DR. JOHN DEASY

ON GOVERNOR’S “MAY REVISE” BUDGET

We applaud the Governor for presenting a sustainable compromise in acknowledging the State’s recent increase in revenues. Governor Brown is honoring the State’s commitment to Prop. 98 by doing away with some of the games and gimmicks of borrowing from schools to pay the state’s bills. Our children cannot and never could afford to pay the state’s wall of debt.

The May Revise has provided us with the possibility of a more positive funding scenario, mainly stemming from the application of new revenues and these impacts on the money owed to us. However, the overall budget picture is still bleak and uncertain. We will continue to look to our labor partners to help save as many jobs as possible.

We also urge the Legislature to pass this budget as soon as possible so our schools can operate with greater stability. This May Revise clearly points out that the failure of a November general election would have far greater consequences for our students. Nothing is more important than providing our schools with sustainable funding because the 2012-13 deficit looks even worse.

As for the Republicans who propose to suspend the Quality Education Investment Act grant for California’s schools, let me remind us that this funding goes directly to the neediest of California’s students—those in our lowest-performing schools. So, where is the educational justification for cutting funding at the highest achieving schools by $16 per student and simultaneously slashing funding by nearly 10 fold to the lowest-performing schools by $157 per student? QEIA is an investment, not a door prize for the lucky few.

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San Pedro Chamber Business Education Arts Committee congratulates all the "Teachers of Excellence"

2011-05-16T17:05:00.000-07:00

The San Pedro Chamber Business Education Arts Committee congratulates all the "Teachers of Excellence" who were honored at a special luncheon on Friday, May 13, at Ports O' Call Restaurant. Twenty-eight San Pedro public, private, and parochial school teachers and their administrators were sponsored by businesses and individuals in celebration of their dedication to the youth of our community.

LAUSD Board of Education Vice President Dr. Vladovic's Chief of Staff attended the event and celebrated the honorees. Many wonderful teachers from throughout San Pedro were honored and provided insightful stories of memorable moments throughout their teaching years.

The honored teachers were:
Grethel Aubele, Angels Gate High School
Sue Vittorio, Bandini Street Elementary School
Rory Schaefer, Barton Hill Elementary School
Emily Marie Vuoso, Cabrillo Avenue Elementary School
Gayle Bastine, Christ Lutheran School
Doublas Kaley, William J. Johnston Community Day School
Peggy Jeans, Crestwood Elementary School
Steve Motoyasu, Dana Middle School
Ann Sullivan, Dodson Middle School
Michael Paieda, Fifteenth Street Elementary School
Annette Ciketic, Harbor Community Adult School
Michael Ochoa, Harbor Occupational Center
Erin Shipman, Holy Trinity School
Jacqueline Garcia, Leland Street Elementary School
Nicole Moretine, Mary Star of the Sea Elementary School
Anna Marie Andrie, Mary Star of the Sea High School
Ray Seko, Park Western Place Elementary School
Alma Kimura, Point Fermin Elementary School
Rachel Bruhnke, Port of Los Angeles High School
Bob Cloer, Renaissance School for the Arts and Sciences
Gayle Taylor, Rolling Hills Preparatory School
Jacquie Bryant, San Pedro High School
Sabrina Diaz-Duran, Seventh Street Elementary School
Eva Ingram, South Shores Arts Magnet School
Tracy Newallis Taper Ave. Elementary&Technology Magnet
Catherine Smith, White Point Elementary School
Kara Nagoaka, Willenberg Special Education Center

Lomita Chamber of Commerce Teacher of the Year Awards

2011-05-16T17:01:00.000-07:00

The Lomita Chamber of Commerce hosted its seventh annual Golden Apple Awards dinner May 5. Teachers from public and private schools that directly serve the Lomita area were honored. The teacher honorees were selected based on recommendations by the principal and/or staff members from each of their schools. LAUSD Board of Education Vice President Dr. Vladovic was on hand along with other elected and chamber officials to preside over the awards. It is a great honor to attend these events and we truly support and are thankful to the wonderful teachers we have in our District that put their hearts into their profession. We truly appreciate you.

Thank you Sharefest and to all of the wonderful volunteers who made the Workday Special

2011-05-16T12:40:00.001-07:00

OPEN ENROLLMENT APPLICATION PROCESS FOR 2011-12 WILL RUN MAY 9-JUNE 3 IN THE LAUSD

2011-05-06T17:37:00.000-07:00

Contact: Susan Cox (213) 241-6766 May 6, 2011

or Bruce Takeguma (213) 241-3344 # 10/11-333

OPEN ENROLLMENT APPLICATION PROCESS FOR 2011-12 WILL RUN MAY 9-JUNE 3 IN THE LAUSD

Los Angeles—Monday, May 9, is the starting date to apply for open enrollment transfers in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) for the 2011-12 school year.

The District’s state-mandated open enrollment policy enables students anywhere in the LAUSD to apply to any regular, grade-appropriate Los Angeles public school with designated open enrollment seats. By May 9, all schools will have reference lists in their main office with the names of the campuses with open enrollment seats available in 2011-12, as well as the number of seats available at each site. This information, along with the open enrollment application, may be downloaded from the web at: http://www.lausd.net. The deadline for applications is Friday, June 3.

While the final numbers are still being determined for the coming year, it is anticipated that approximately 9,600 seats will be available at approximately 270 schools based on staff’s knowledge of new housing and other demographic trends in the local attendance area. Last year, the District had 9,500 seats at 250 schools.

The District does not provide school bus transportation for the open enrollment program. Thus, District officials suggest that parents plan the driving distance between their residence and the schools they are requesting when selecting an open enrollment school.

Open enrollment transfers are issued on a space-available basis only. No student living in a particular school’s attendance area will be displaced by a student requesting an open enrollment transfer. A new application must be submitted when an open enrollment transfer student is ready to enroll at the next school level (elementary to middle school, for example). Because of limited space, enrollment at the next school level in the regular feeder pattern is not guaranteed through the open enrollment process, and the student must reapply and be selected in a random drawing if space is limited. For example, an open enrollment transfer student who attends Hale Middle School is not guaranteed a spot at El Camino Real High School, the senior high school in Hale’s feeder pattern.

Beginning May 9, parents and guardians can obtain open enrollment transfer applications at their child’s current LAUSD school of attendance or at any LAUSD school. Applications can be downloaded from the web at: http://www.lausd.net. When the application is completed with the signature of the principal (or a designated alternate) for information purposes only at the current school of attendance, the application may be dropped off or mailed to the requested school site.

Parents may apply for open enrollment transfers to as many schools as they wish. If parents are applying to send several children to the same school, they must complete a separate application for each child.

After the application period ends June 3, schools with more applications than seats available will hold random-selection drawings between June 7-10 to determine who will receive invitations to enroll. Schools where applications have been submitted will notify parents of drawing locations and times. Parents and guardians may attend the drawings if they wish.

After all designated open enrollment seats at a school are allocated, the drawing will continue with the remaining applications. The applicants’ names will be placed on a numbered waiting list in the order drawn. If one of the students in the initial group decides not to enroll, then everyone moves up on the waiting list. However, if one sibling’s name is drawn for a transfer, then all siblings who applied to the same school will also be granted transfers.

The District requests that parents who have applied to and received enrollment invitations from more than one school notify the other schools after they have made their decision about which school to attend. This will allow the school to release a designated seat to another applicant.

For schools with open enrollment space remaining, the deadline to apply will be Friday, Sept. 23. Parents may apply to those schools as long as seats are available, even if their children were not selected to attend other schools under the earlier open enrollment application process. Once the September deadline has passed, no new applications will be accepted for the 2011-12 school year.

Open enrollment transfers are valid until a student completes the final grade level at the school where the transfer is granted. Students must reapply if they want to transfer to a different school, including matriculation from one school level to the next (example: from elementary to middle school or from middle to senior high school).

For additional general information about open enrollment transfers, parents and guardians may call the District’s Master Plan and Demographics office at (213) 241-8044. After the application period begins on May 9, it is recommended that parents and guardians call directly to their child’s current school.

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Barrett Elementary School Student Gets Perfect Score On California Standards Test

2011-05-04T12:36:00.000-07:00

With testing season just around the corner, we would like to congratulate Valeria Chavarin, a 5th grade student from Charles W. Barrett Elementary School. Last year, Valeria scored a perfect score in the 2010 California Standards Test. That means that she scored 600 in mathematics and in language arts. Her achievement is proof that with hard work and dedication to your education, anything is possible.

Thank you to Principal Prescious Robinson and the rest of the staff of Barrett Elementary. Keep up the great work on making sure that every one of our students has the right education to succeed in future endeavors.

D.L. Hughley thanking one of our great teachers at Fleming Middle School Mr. Lang Boston

2011-05-03T16:21:00.000-07:00

LAUSD AND L.A. SCHOOL POLICE SERGEANTS AND LIEUTENANTS ASSN. ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE A TENTATIVE AGREEMENT

2011-04-30T01:23:00.000-07:00

LAUSD AND L.A. SCHOOL POLICE SERGEANTS AND LIEUTENANTS ASSN. ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE A TENTATIVE AGREEMENT

Proposal Responds to the Immediate Budget Crisis

Los Angeles – The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and Bargaining Unit H, representing the Los Angeles School Police Sergeants and Lieutenants Association (LASPSLA), today announced a tentative agreement in response to the District’s urgent and severe budget crisis.

Paul Quezada, President of Unit H; and John Deasy, LAUSD Superintendent of Schools; stand together in support of the tentative agreement calling for 12 unpaid furlough days to address the devastating 2011-2012 budget deficit, resulting from the state’s fiscal crisis.

“While we both are troubled that we must go to our valued employees again and seek shared sacrifices to save jobs and programs, we are proud of the collaborative way we have reached this agreement. The spirit of our work honors our hardworking officers,” Deasy and Quezada noted.

To take effect, the tentative agreement needs LASPSLA approval, and also must be approved by the Los Angeles Board of Education.

“We must remember that this is a onetime solution for the 2011-2012 school year only,” Deasy said,
“and that it is absolutely crucial that legislation be passed in Sacramento which provides the District with adequate revenues to sustain the public schools of Los Angeles.”

“The members of the Los Angeles School Police Sergeants and Lieutenants Association understand the dire fiscal condition the District finds itself in due to the poor economy,” said Paul Quezada, President of the LASPSLA. “When ratified, this agreement will help the District secure funding to ensure that essential services, related to student safety and education are maintained.”

The Unit H proposal is the fourth tentative agreement calling for 12 unpaid furlough days reached this week between the District and one of the labor unions representing employees. The other three are: the Associated Administrators of Los Angeles (AALA); the Los Angeles School Police Association (LASPA); and Unit E of the L.A./Orange Counties Building & Construction Trades Council representing skilled trades employees.

The Superintendent is seeking additional agreements.

“We must look to our other labor partners,” Deasy said “to join us in shared solutions to save thousands of teachers and other valuable LAUSD employees.”

###

LAUSD AND UNIT E, REPRESENTING SKILLED TRADES EMPLOYEES, ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE A TENTATIVE AGREEMENT

2011-04-28T17:22:00.000-07:00

LAUSD AND UNIT E, REPRESENTING SKILLED TRADES EMPLOYEES, ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE A TENTATIVE AGREEMENT

Proposal Responds to the Immediate Budget Crisis

Los Angeles – The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and the L.A./Orange Counties Building & Construction Trades Council (Unit E) today announced a tentative agreement that responds to the District’s urgent and severe budget crisis.

Ron Miller, Business Representative for Unit E; and John Deasy, LAUSD Superintendent of Schools; stand together in support of the tentative agreement. The agreement calls for Unit E represented employees to take 12 unpaid furlough days to restore most of the proposed cuts to the L.A./Orange Counties Building & Construction Trades Council in the devastating 2011-2012 budget, resulting from the state’s fiscal crisis.

“The affiliates of the Los Angeles/Orange Counties Building & Construction Trades Council realize that the tentative agreement that was reached with LAUSD was a necessary move due to the bad economy and the fiscal crisis facing the School District,” said Ron Miller, Unit E Business Representative. “This agreement, when ratified, will preserve jobs and benefits. Our members take great pride in being the best trained craftsmen and women, and providing a safe and comfortable environment for the children and the faculty of the school district.”

The proposed agreement would restore for the 2011-2012 school year all position reductions and work year reductions of the Trades Council-represented employees paid from the General Fund. Those reductions and cuts were previously adopted as part of the Budget Balancing Plan (Feb. 15) to address the deficit.

To take effect, the tentative agreement must be ratified by the membership and approved by the Los Angeles Board of Education.

“We must remember that this is a onetime solution for the 2011-2012 school year only,” Deasy said, “and that it is absolutely crucial that legislation be passed in Sacramento which provides the District with adequate revenues to sustain the public schools of Los Angeles.”

The Unit E proposal is the third tentative agreement reached this week between the District and labor unions representing District employees. The Associated Administrators of Los Angeles (AALA) will also ask its members, largely school principals, to approve a tentative agreement calling for 12 unpaid furlough days to restore jobs. The Los Angeles School Police Association (LASPA) will also seek ratification from its membership for a similar agreement.

The Superintendent is seeking additional agreements with the other unions that represent District employees.

“We must continue to look to our other labor partners,” Deasy said, “to join us in shared solutions to save thousands of teachers and other valuable LAUSD employees.”

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POV: Saving Los Angeles' Schools

2011-04-28T00:06:00.000-07:00

POV: Saving Los Angeles' Schools: MyFoxLA.com

LAUSD AND SCHOOL POLICE ASSOCIATION ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE A TENTATIVE AGREEMENT ON FURLOUGH DAYS

2011-04-27T19:50:00.000-07:00

LAUSD AND SCHOOL POLICE ASSOCIATION ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE A TENTATIVE AGREEMENT

Proposal Responds to the Immediate Budget Crisis

Los Angeles – The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and the Los Angeles School Police Association (LASPA) today announced a tentative agreement that responds to the District’s urgent and severe budget crisis.

James Ream, President of LASPA; and John Deasy, Superintendent of Schools; stand together in support of the tentative agreement calling for 12 furlough days to restore most of the proposed cuts to the school police department in the devastating 2011-2012 budget, resulting from the state’s fiscal crisis.

The proposed agreement would preserve the jobs of hundreds of school police officers and other security employees who are critical to the safe and effective operations of LAUSD schools.

To take effect, the tentative agreement must be ratified by the LASPA membership, which includes non-sworn school safety officers, police officers, senior police officers and detectives. It also must be approved by the Los Angeles Board of Education.

Ream, head of the LASPA, said, “This sacrifice, though a painful pay cut, is necessary to save the jobs of members who would have been laid off.”

The LASPA proposal is the second tentative agreement reached this week between the District and one of the labor unions representing employees. AALA will also ask its members, largely school principals, to approve a tentative agreement calling for 12 unpaid furlough days to restore jobs.

The Superintendent is seeking additional agreements.

“We must look to our other labor partners,” Deasy said, “to join us in shared solutions to save thousands of teachers and other valuable LAUSD employees.”

###

LAUSD AND ASSOCIATED ADMINISTRATORS OF LOS ANGELES (AALA)ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE A TENTATIVE AGREEMENT

2011-04-26T18:01:00.000-07:00

LAUSD AND ASSOCIATED ADMINISTRATORS OF LOS ANGELES (AALA)ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE A TENTATIVE AGREEMENT

Proposal Responds to the Immediate Budget Crisis

Los Angeles – The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and the Associated Administrators of Los Angeles (AALA) have announced a tentative agreement that responds to the District’s immediate budget crisis.

In a joint announcement today, LAUSD Superintendent John Deasy and Judith Perez, President of AALA, stood together in support of the tentative agreement calling for 12 furlough days as a way to restore the proposed administrative cuts in the devastating 2011-2012 budget, a result of the state’s fiscal crisis.

The proposed agreement also preserves the jobs of hundreds of principals, assistant principals and other administrators critical to the effective operation of LAUSD schools. This tentative agreement will allow the District to recoup $9.3 million to help save jobs.

Deasy and Perez noted: “While we both are troubled that we must go to our valued employees again and seek shared sacrifices to save jobs and programs, we are proud of the collaborative way we have reached the agreement. The spirit of our work honors our hard-working administrators.”

This tentative agreement will now be submitted to the AALA membership for ratification, and to the Los Angeles Board of Education for final adoption.

Superintendent Deasy also said, “We must remember that this is a onetime solution for the 2011-2012 school year only, and that it is absolutely crucial that legislation be passed in Sacramento which provides the District with adequate revenues to sustain the K-12 public education in California, and especially in Los Angeles.

“We must also look to our other labor partners to join us in a shared solution if we are willing to save the jobs of thousands of teachers and many other LAUSD employees,” he continued.

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Message from Dr. V (April 21)

2011-04-21T20:10:00.000-07:00

Message from DR. Vladovic: Maintaining Academic Progress

The past school year has seen soaring results in student achievement pertaining to test scores and overall student performance. Despite budget downfalls that contribute to adverse situations at school sites, we need to continue the momentum of achievement into the next school year and beyond. Last week the Board approved a contract with Treasures Reading Program. While initially student reading scores improved under the late Open Court program they eventually peaked and have hit a plateau. If the reforms in the past year have shown anything it is that the status quo is no longer acceptable, and it was in this spirit that we welcomed a new program that gave way to teacher innovation and adhered to the needs of English Language Learners.

In November the Board launched the initiative to develop a Teaching and Learning Framework by approving a contract with Teaching and Learning Solutions. The organization has been working with stakeholders throughout the District to conduct focus groups in order to create comprehensive rubrics and accountability measures geared towards effective teaching. I look forward to launching this innovative component within our schools, and continuing to accelerate excellence in our schools at all levels.

In order to correctly evaluate academic progress there must be a continued focus on data collection. On April 13^th LAUSD released its school level Academic Growth Over Time (AGT) results. AGT measures student performance using a value-added methodology that takes into account external factors that could impact students and their test scores. The statistics identify a teacher or school leaders’ impact on an individual student. It gets down to answering the real question of whether our students are progressing academically or not. This is part of the District's efforts to establish a method to target and personalize professional development. Now, more than ever, it is imperative to resist complacency and comfort and take extra effort to ensure our students continue to excel. We cannot afford to go backwards even in these times of fiscal uncertainty and hardship.

POLA High School and Harbor Teacher Prep Academy Named California Distinguished Schools

2011-04-21T13:24:00.000-07:00

We would like to congratulate Port of Los Angeles High School in San Pedro and Harbor Teacher Prep Academy in Wilmington for being named one of California’s Distinguished Schools by state schools Superintendent Tom Torlakson. This year, the honor was given out to ninety seven secondary schools. It is based on how well schools perform in state standardized testing, and showing success in the achievement gap.

Only in its sixth year, the 850 student school (POLAHS) has earned one of the most sought after awards in the state. Congratulations to Principals Tom Scotti (POLAHS) and Principal Mattie Adams (HTPA) and the teachers, staff and all administrators who work so hard everyday to ensure that our children have all the tools they need to be successful in school and in life.

186th Street Elementary School Celebrates Earth Day

2011-04-19T13:57:00.000-07:00

On Friday April 15, 2011, the students and staff of 186^th Street Elementary School came together to celebrate Earth Day. With the help of actress Malin Akerman, EMA (Environmental Media Association), Toyota, Kellogg’s Garden Products, and LAUSD Board District 7 staff, and the students were treated to a planting of a White Blossoms Cherry tree.

The event started with a school wide assembly where the Wise Owls were able to display their Earth Day banners, posters, and hats. Then, students from the 186^th Street Environmental Club treated their “guests of honor” to a red carpet treatment by walking with them on a red carpet that led to the tree that was going to be planted in the Library Garden. The event concluded with a walk through the beautiful community garden.

Aside from her acting duties, Malin Akerman is a Young Hollywood Board Member for the Environmental Media Association. EMA works with schools in Los Angeles to help create and support organic garden programs. Many celebrities are Young Hollywood Board Members and they go out to schools to help educate students about the importance of a clean planet.

Carson High School Hosts Second Annual Garden Celebration

2011-04-19T13:52:00.000-07:00

Carson High School hosted their second annual garden celebration on April 5, 2011. On hand for the celebration were actress Emmanuel Chriqui (Young Hollywood Board Member for the EMA), EMA (Environmental Media Association), Kellogg Garden Products, LAUSD Board District 7 staff and the garden’s new sponsor Dole.

Emmanuelle rolled up her sleeves and started planting adding soil and fertilizer to the amazing garden that the students and science teacher Tammy Bird have created and maintained at Carson High School. Dole was generous enough to provide fruit packs and fresh strawberries for the attendees.

The Carson High School garden now has over 300 fruit trees growing. We would like to thank EMA, Kellogg, and Dole for their contribution to teach and advocate students and the community about protecting the planet.

April is Earthquake Preparedness Month

2011-04-18T14:26:00.000-07:00

The School Safety Committee Corner is intended to provide general topics of interest and information for consideration by the School Safety Committee. We hope this information is useful in helping your committee to improve safety awareness at your school and provide a learning and working environment that is safe, healthy and productive. For additional assistance, please contact your local district OEHS safety officer.

This month's topic is called Earthquake Preparedness Month.

It is critical that schools be prepared to protect the children of LAUSD. April is earthquake preparedness month. Now that you have conducted your Shake 2009 drill, it’s time to evaluate how your school did and review the facts about earthquakes. Administrators should complete Attachment C of REF. 1550.5 (*.PDF) which is a valuable tool for evaluating your drill.

Check out the following documents on Earthquake Preparedness:

    * Earthquake Quick Facts
    * 8 Myths
    * Check out the Emergency Services Streaming Video Library for videos on Earthquake Preparedness.
    * Check out the Emergency Services Links to see what other valuable tips are available on the web from other agencies.

For more information, please click on http://www.lausd-oehs.org/SSC0604.asp .

Cinderella Project

2011-04-18T13:59:00.000-07:00

With prom and graduation upon LAUSD students A Place Called Home (APCH) is looking for “fairy godmothers” to fulfill more than 1,000 teenage girls’ dreams on Friday May 6^th and Saturday May 7^th.

APHC requests your support through donations of:

· Dresses (prom, evening, cocktail, bridesmaid)

· Shoes (dressy high heels and flats)

· Accessories (jewelry, evening bags, shawls)

· Make-up, lotions or perfumes (must be new)

** Donations must be new or gently used and freshly dry-cleaned.**

If you are a student and want to receive a FREE beautiful DRESS

· Must call, text or email to make an appointment

o 323.238.2418

Cinderellaproject@apch.org

· Must bring a High School ID

· Must be a High School student

Donations are welcome till April 29^th!

STEPS Emergency Preparedness

2011-04-18T13:40:00.000-07:00

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

· What steps do I take if my school initiates a lockdown?

· Is my school in a Tsunami Inundation Zone?

· What Emergency Preparedness Tools are available to me at my school?

Parents, teachers or faculty members, students, or community members that ask themselves these questions should look over STEPS (Safety Training for Emergency Preparedness at Schools). This is the LAUSD community’s source for Emergency Preparedness and response training opportunities and information.

STEPS includes:

On line training through the Learning Zone

FEMA courses links and descriptions for free courses in emergency management

CERT training information about free community hands-on disaster training

Where to Find Steps?

http://steps.lausd.net

If you Have Questions about the STEPS Program, contact

Jill Barnes at (213) 241-7999 or jill.barnes@lausd.net

Treasures

2011-04-18T13:23:00.000-07:00

Open Court Gives Way to Treasures.

In 1999 then Interim Superintendent Cortines recommended the adoption of the Open Court Reading Program to address plummeting student reading scores. Skeptics were quickly silenced as reading scores rose within the first year of implementation. However over the years scores have plateaued and in the spirit of ensuring the highest possible student achievement, the LAUSD Board of Education adopted McGraw-Hill’s Treasures Reading Program.

While Open Court had been hailed for raising test scores, critics expressed that its rigid guidelines stifled teacher innovation and did not allow for flexible curriculum that adhered to the needs of English Language Learners. With 220,000 English Language Learners LAUSD has the highest concentration of such students in the country. The Treasures program allows teachers to formulate their own lesson plans.

The Treasures program cost the District $10 million to purchase. However, the District would be saving $50 million in savings over 6 years. Due to the fact that Open Court has been out of print for the past four years LAUSD has had to pay $15 million annually in replacing lost and worn books and other learning tools.

District initiatives around student achievement speak for themselves. The status quo is not acceptable.

For more information on the Treasures program contact the Office of Curriculum, Instruction and School Support (213) 241-5333.

LAUSD Food Services on ABC

2011-04-18T12:29:00.000-07:00

LAUSD Food Services Letter from Superintendent Cortines

2011-04-18T12:08:00.000-07:00

Superintendent Deasy's First Day Letter (Click on Pictures to Enlarge)

2011-04-18T12:02:00.000-07:00

LAUSD Presents District plan to reduce layoffs and other harmful cuts (Click on Picture to Enlarge)

2011-04-18T11:55:00.000-07:00

Keep it Green Point Fermin

2011-04-18T11:49:00.000-07:00

Major League Soccer team Chivas USA partnered with Heal the Bay, and the Bureau of Sanitation to create a competition where three Los Angeles Unified School District schools have two weeks to fill up bins with bottles, cans, plastic bags, papers, etc. Point Fermin in San Pedro is one of those three schools, and the students accepted the challenge with much enthusiasm and confidence.

As of April 4^th, Point Fermin students had two weeks to fill up the twenty bins with items that can be hazardous and harmful to our planet if they were to be thrown away into a regular trash can. They are very aware that they are making a difference for their own future by helping to have and maintain cleaner planet.

Aside from the prizes, students are learning the value of teamwork and the commitment to do our part to make sure we all have a better and cleaner future. We would like to thank the organizers and everyone that is involved with this competition. Good luck to all the schools.