LA School Report–Emilio Pack and Cristina de Jesus: The only way forward is partnership
Photo courtesy of LA School Report
What kind of superintendent does the Los Angeles Unified School District need? It’s not an easy question to answer but it’s a deeply important one, especially at a moment when the district is facing crucial decisions not just about its own future, but also about the future of the 630,000 kids it serves. One of those key decisions is how the district will support parents in choosing the school that meets their child’s unique needs — whether they are traditional, pilot, magnet, or charter schools.
Over the past 25 years, charter schools have become an integral part of Los Angeles’s public education system, with more than 1 in 5 local families choosing a charter public school. As charter schools have grown, LAUSD has expanded its own offerings, providing educators more flexibility and families more choice within the traditional public school system. This shift that has improved student academic outcomes district-wide. However, we know that too many students still don’t have access to the high-quality education they deserve. This represents both a tremendous challenge and an incredible opportunity for the district’s next superintendent.
