Educating Angels
A deep dive into the Los Angeles Unified School District's journey through growth, challenges, and innovation in public education.
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District Overview
Scale and Scope
The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) stands as California's largest public school system by student enrollment and the second largest in the United States, surpassed only by the New York City Department of Education. Its vast jurisdiction encompasses nearly all of the city of Los Angeles, alongside various adjoining cities and unincorporated areas within southwestern Los Angeles County.
Student and Staff Demographics
During the 2022–2023 academic year, LAUSD served a substantial student body of 565,479, which included 11,795 early childhood education students and 27,740 adult learners. To support this extensive population, the district employed 24,710 teachers and an additional 49,231 staff members, making it the second-largest employer in Los Angeles County, after the county government itself.
Financial Footprint and Operations
LAUSD operates with a significant financial commitment, with a budget of $12.6 billion for the 2022–2023 school year, an increase from $10.7 billion in the preceding year. Beyond traditional schooling, the district maintains its own police force, the Los Angeles School Police Department (established in 1948), enrolls a third of all preschoolers in Los Angeles County, and manages a bus fleet comparable in size to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Its cafeterias serve approximately 500,000 meals daily, a volume rivaling local McDonald's operations.
Historical Trajectory
Early Foundations (1870–1961)
The current LAUSD was formed from the merger of two earlier entities: the Los Angeles City School District (LACSD), established in 1870 for elementary and junior high students, and the Los Angeles City High School District (LACHSD), formed in 1890. Both districts expanded over time through the annexation of smaller school districts, laying the groundwork for the unified system.
Formation of LAUSD (1961–1962)
On July 1, 1961, the LACSD and LACHSD officially merged to create the Los Angeles Unified School District. This consolidation streamlined the educational governance across the region. Initially, the Topanga School District and the Las Virgenes Union School District remained separate, but LAUSD subsequently annexed the Topanga district on July 1, 1962, further expanding its reach.
Desegregation Efforts (1961–1980)
The period following LAUSD's formation was marked by significant efforts towards desegregation. The 1961 Jackson vs. Pasadena School District case, a precursor to broader desegregation rulings, highlighted racial separation in schools. This was followed by Crawford v. Board of Ed. of Los Angeles in 1963, which ultimately led to a California Supreme Court mandate in 1977 for the district to devise an integration plan. A controversial busing plan was developed for 1978, facing legal challenges that reached the U.S. Supreme Court. California's Proposition 1 in 1979 further shaped the legal landscape, mandating busing align with the Equal Protection Clause. By the mid-1980s, the desegregation process was largely in compliance, guided by the Los Angeles Monitoring Committee, which aimed for multicultural integration with individualized student support.
Reform Initiatives
Decentralization and Re-centralization (1990s)
The 1990s saw various attempts at programmatic reform. Initiatives like the Los Angeles Education Alliance for Restructuring Now (LEARN) and the Los Angeles Annenberg Metropolitan Project (LAAMP) aimed to empower individual schools and principals with greater autonomy over curriculum and daily operations. However, these efforts did not consistently translate into improved student achievement.
Further reforms led to the creation of eleven "minidistricts" with decentralized management structures, each overseen by its own superintendent. This model, however, proved costly due to increased bureaucracy. Consequently, then-Superintendent Romer advocated for reversing the measure, leading to the re-merger of these minidistricts into eight numbered Local Districts, a move supported by the United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA).
Calendar Adjustments
From 1993 to 2000, LAUSD mandated year-round schedules for 540 of its schools. Despite this, community outcry, particularly from areas like the San Fernando Valley and Westside, led to 539 of these schools reverting to traditional academic calendars. By the 2012–13 school year, only three schools maintained a year-round schedule, reflecting a significant shift in district policy driven by community preferences.
Mayoral Control Attempts (2000s)
Following his election, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa championed a reform to bring the public school system under mayoral control, shifting power away from the Board of Education. This proposal met with considerable opposition from teachers, LAUSD board members, and residents of communities outside the city of Los Angeles but served by the district.
In August 2006, a compromise was reached, resulting in California State Assembly Bill 1381. This bill granted the mayor significant administrative control while preserving an elected school board and ensuring input from surrounding cities. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the law, but the Board of Education immediately challenged its constitutionality. Although AB 1381 was ultimately ruled unconstitutional in December 2006, the mayor gained indirect influence over the district when two of his supported candidates were elected to the school board.
Labor Relations
Union Influence
Labor unions have historically played a pivotal role in the operations and governance of LAUSD. Key unions include the United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA), representing over 35,000 teachers, and the Associated Administrators of Los Angeles (AALA). UTLA, since its inception in 1970, has on occasion authorized strikes against the district to advocate for its members' interests.
1989 Teachers Strike
On May 30, 1989, approximately 20,000 UTLA members initiated a nine-day strike, demanding higher pay and greater administrative control. The period leading up to the strike was marked by intense negotiations, teacher demonstrations, and legal battles. While many of the city's 600 schools remained open, attendance significantly dropped. A three-year contract was eventually reached, securing pay raises. However, a severe economic recession in 1990 necessitated salary cuts in 1991 to prevent mass layoffs, diminishing the positive outcomes of the strike.
2019 Teachers Strike
Thirty thousand teachers participated in a six-day strike starting January 14, 2019, the first such action since 1989. Schools remained operational with substitute teachers and administrative staff, but student attendance was notably low. Teachers and their supporters organized rallies across the city. A deal was reached on January 22, 2019, including a 6% pay raise, a reduction of four students per class in grades four through twelve over three years, the elimination of a provision allowing larger class sizes during economic hardship, and a commitment to provide a full-time nurse in every school and a librarian for every middle and high school. The agreement also established 30 community schools and included a non-binding resolution advocating for a cap on charter schools.
2023 Classified Staff Strike
On March 21, 2023, the Service Employees International Union, Local 99 (SEIU99), representing classified staff, initiated a three-day strike, demanding a 30% wage increase. LAUSD had offered a 23% raise plus a 3% cash bonus. The UTLA joined the strike in solidarity, aiming to bolster its own upcoming labor negotiations. Although schools resumed on March 24 without an immediate agreement, a "historic deal" was announced later that day, reportedly meeting and exceeding SEIU99's demands.
Educational Programs
Magnet Schools
As of January 2014, LAUSD operated 191 magnet schools, serving approximately 53,500 students. These schools are highly competitive, often rivaling private institutions in their application rates, with 16,000 new students admitted from 66,000 applications in 2012. Magnet programs cater to diverse interests, including gifted and highly gifted curricula, as well as specialized tracks in arts, sciences, pre-law, and pre-medical studies.
Academic Decathlon Success
LAUSD schools have a distinguished record in the United States Academic Decathlon, with several institutions achieving national championships. Notable winners include:
- John Marshall High School: 1987, 1995
- William H. Taft High School: 1989, 1994, 2006
- El Camino Real High School: 1998, 2001, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2023
- Granada Hills Charter High School: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019
These achievements highlight the district's commitment to academic excellence and competitive scholastic programs.
Honor Band Tradition
The All District High School Honor Band, comprising brass and percussion instruments, invites members to audition each September. This prestigious group has marched in every Tournament of Roses Parade since 1973. Members are required to maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA and remain in good standing with their home school programs.
District Governance
Board and Leadership
The Los Angeles Unified School District is governed by a seven-member Board of Education, whose members are directly elected by voters from distinct districts within LAUSD's service area. This board is responsible for appointing the superintendent, who oversees the district's daily operations. Alberto M. Carvalho assumed the role of permanent superintendent in 2022, following interim leadership by Megan K. Reilly after Austin Beutner's resignation.
Election Cycle Changes
In March 2015, voters approved Charter Amendment 2, which allowed the LAUSD Board of Education to align its election dates with even-numbered years. This change took effect with the March 2020 primary election and its subsequent runoff in November 2020, aiming to potentially increase voter turnout and engagement with school board elections.
Local District Structure
Every household or residential area within LAUSD's jurisdiction is assigned to a specific elementary school, middle school, and high school. These schools are organized into one of six local school districts, each managed by an area superintendent and headquartered within its respective district. This decentralized structure aims to provide more localized oversight and responsiveness to community needs.
Current Leadership
| Position | Name | Since |
|---|---|---|
| Superintendent | Alberto M. Carvalho | 2022 |
| Board President | Scott Schmerelson | 2024 |
| Board Vice President | Rocío Rivas | 2024 |
Board Members
| District | Name | Since |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sherlett Hendy Newbill | 2024 |
| 2 | Rocío Rivas | 2022 |
| 3 | Scott Schmerelson | 2013 |
| 4 | Nick Melvoin | 2017 |
| 5 | Karla Griego | 2024 |
| 6 | Kelly Gonez | 2017 |
| 7 | Tanya Ortiz Franklin | 2020 |
Areas of Service
Communities Served
LAUSD's extensive service area covers the majority of Los Angeles, with some exceptions such as a portion of West Hills and certain Beverly Hills addresses. The district provides educational services to numerous communities entirely within its boundaries, as well as portions of several others, often sharing jurisdiction with neighboring school districts.
School Calendars
Historically, LAUSD has utilized both year-round and traditional academic calendars. In 2005, 47% of all LAUSD students were enrolled in year-round schools. However, due to new school construction and reduced enrollment following an economic recession, the prevalence of year-round schedules significantly declined. By the 2012–13 school year, only three schools continued to operate on a year-round basis, with the vast majority adopting the traditional calendar.
Air Quality Monitoring
LAUSD boasts the largest school-based air quality monitoring network in the country. This sophisticated system provides parents and students with real-time access to air quality information. Furthermore, the district leverages this data to identify air quality trends in specific areas, enabling targeted interventions such as providing air filtration systems to schools consistently affected by poor air quality, thereby prioritizing student health and well-being.
Notable Individuals
Board Members
The LAUSD Board of Education has been home to many influential figures who have shaped the district's trajectory and, in some cases, gone on to significant roles in broader public service.
Distinguished Teachers
LAUSD has been served by many dedicated educators, some of whom have achieved national recognition or made significant contributions beyond the classroom.
Challenges & Controversies
Construction Project Issues
LAUSD's ambitious construction projects have faced significant challenges and controversies. The Edward R. Roybal Learning Center (formerly Belmont Learning Center) experienced over a decade of delays due to environmental concerns, including methane and hydrogen sulfide seepage from an old oil field, and the discovery of an active surface fault. Costs escalated from an estimated $175 million to $300 million (with critics suggesting up to $500 million) before its opening in 2008.
Similarly, the development of the Robert F. Kennedy Community Schools on the former Ambassador Hotel site was highly contentious. After a legal battle for the property, the demolition of the historic hotel faced strong opposition from preservationists. The project, completed in 2010, became the most expensive school in the United States, costing $578 million for 4,200 K-12 students, with costs attributed to material, land prices, seismic codes, and unionized labor.
Technology Initiatives
The district's technology rollouts have also drawn criticism. In 2013, Superintendent John Deasy launched a project to provide iPads to all students, which was criticized for the high cost compared to other tablets. Questions arose regarding the bidding process due to Deasy's ties to Apple Inc. and Pearson PLC. The initiative, alongside the My Integrated Student Information System (MISiS) which was plagued by issues like disappearing grades, led to Deasy's resignation in 2014. The FBI later seized records related to the iPad program, and the board considered litigation against Apple.
More recently, in March 2024, LAUSD launched "Ed," an AI chatbot designed to aid academic recovery. However, the service was halted in June 2024 after its developer, AllHere Education, faced financial difficulties. The district plans to reintroduce the service and review the issues through an independent task force.
Safety and Misconduct
LAUSD has faced numerous incidents and lawsuits related to safety and employee misconduct. In 2008, schools were targeted by vandals and thieves during holidays due to a lack of police presence. More gravely, the district has dealt with multiple cases of teacher sexual abuse, including Mark Berndt at Miramonte Elementary (2012), Forest Stobbe at Queen Anne Place Elementary (2012), and Rene Tenas at Hart Street Elementary (2018). These cases resulted in significant settlements and highlighted issues of negligence and ignored "red flags" within the district's oversight mechanisms. The entire staff at Miramonte Elementary was replaced following the revelations.
Pandemic Response & Cyber Threats
The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges. LAUSD closed schools in March 2020, implementing mandatory vaccination policies for staff (later dropped for students after delays and a lawsuit). The district also faced criticism for mismanaging funds, with $2.8 million wasted on unused and expired hand sanitizer. In September 2022, LAUSD was hit by a ransomware attack by the Russian-speaking group Vice Society, disrupting critical systems like Google Drive and Schoology. The district refused to pay the ransom, leading to the release of stolen data, and prompted an investigation by federal agencies and an expedited rollout of multi-factor authentication.
Social and Political Tensions
The district has also navigated social and political controversies. A 2017 teacher training workshop on "Learning About Islam and the Arab World," presented by the Fellowship for Reconciliation (FORUSA), drew criticism for alleged anti-Semitic and anti-Israel biases, with claims that it misrepresented historical facts and promoted the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement. Congressman Brad Sherman and organizations like the Anti-Defamation League raised concerns about the workshop's content.
More recently, in 2023, Saticoy Elementary School experienced anti-LGBTQ+ protests following the announcement of a planned reading of "The Great Big Book of Families." These incidents included the burning of a Pride flag and the use of homophobic and anti-Semitic slurs during a rally, prompting condemnation from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups.
Student Demographics
Enrollment Trends
LAUSD has experienced significant fluctuations in student enrollment over the past few decades. The district saw a peak in the early 2000s before a gradual decline, influenced by various factors including economic shifts and population changes in Los Angeles County.
Ethnic Composition
As of the 2011–2012 school year, LAUSD's student body reflected the rich diversity of Los Angeles. Students of Hispanic origin comprised the largest group at 72.3%. Non-Hispanic White students accounted for 10.1%, African American students for 9.6%, and Asian American students (including 2% of Filipino origin) for 6%. Native Americans and Pacific Islanders together made up less than 1% of the student population.
Discipline Disparities
In 2014, LAUSD implemented a policy to decriminalize school discipline for minor offenses, opting for referral to school staff rather than prosecution. This decision was influenced by data showing that Black students were six times more likely to be arrested or issued a ticket than White students for similar infractions, highlighting efforts to address racial disparities in disciplinary actions within the district.
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References
References
- LAUSD List of Union Contracts, LAUSD.net, accessed on January 6, 2019
- Associated Administrators of Los Angeles website, accessed on January 6, 2019
- "In 1970 Strike, Students Partied by Teachers Lost Battle and Pay", LA Times, Sam Enriques, May 13, 1989
- LAUSD teachers back one-day strike, LA Daily News, May 1, 2009
- "Teacher Strike Spreads Chaos In Los Angeles", New York Times, May 16, 1989
- Analysis of The 1989 Teacher Strike, Stephanie Clayton, Learning in L.A. Project, 2008
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional educational, administrative, or policy consultation. Always refer to official LAUSD documentation, academic research, and consult with qualified professionals for specific inquiries or decisions related to educational policy, administration, or student welfare. Never disregard professional advice because of something you have read on this website.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.