Contact: Ally Salvaria, Communications Director
For Email: [email protected] Phone: (818) 726- 6151
L.A. Unified Board of Education Unanimously Approves Board Member Nick Melvoin’s Resolution to Expand Early Education Access for District Families
LOS ANGELES (Oct. 6, 2020) – The L.A. Unified Board of Education voted today to unanimously approve Board Member Nick Melvoin’s resolution seeking to strengthen pathways to elementary school and make it easier for families to navigate early education options.
“Families shouldn’t need a decoder to navigate their enrollment options and find the best fit to begin their child’s educational journey,” said Melvoin. “Our goal is to simplify the process for families to identify and enroll in the wonderful early elementary programs offered at our local schools.”
"We are working to provide the foundation in literacy, math and critical thinking skills to students in elementary school," Superintendent Austin Beutner said. “This will help add to that effort.”
The resolution, co-sponsored by Dr. George J. McKenna, III, Scott M. Schmerelson and Kelly Gonez would ensure that the District offers early elementary opportunities that support learning and stability for students. It would also make those opportunities transparent and accessible for parents and families to find and enroll in the best program for their young learners—helping to expand District enrollment, especially as the ongoing pandemic exacerbates declining enrollment in early grades.
“I support the opportunity to expand access to classroom seats for all of our earliest learners,” Board Member Dr. George McKenna said. “This will make it easier for our families to find high quality programs, across the District, for our young learners.”
"Meeting a goal of 100% graduation is met when our primary promise to children is met," Board Member Mónica García said. "We need to look at what is working and where support is needed. Our youngest learners must be prepared for the next level of education in their lives year after year, and it is our responsibility to not only enroll kids but take them to the finish line and beyond."
“As a lifelong educator, I know that a strong foundation in the ETK-Kindergarten years, is critical to the success of our students,” said Board Member Schmerelson. “Offering a wide range of resources, expanding our programs and increasing family engagement will motivate families to enroll in Los Angeles Unified programs. Providing ongoing professional development for teachers and staff will ensure they have the proper supports to increase the academic outcomes of our students. Exploring ways in which the District can invest in new programs and models, and increase the number of early education opportunities, will help create more effective pathways towards success for our early learners.”
“Los Angeles Unified provides great programs to our early learners, including expanded transitional kindergarten (ETK) and transitional kindergarten (TK),” said Board Member Kelly Gonez. “I support efforts to expand these programs and to ensure they are accessed equitably. These early learning opportunities give students a strong start to their academic career and prepare them for lifelong learning.”
Nick Melvoin is proud to serve the dynamic communities of District 4 on the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education. Nick’s election to the Board in May of 2017 follows a career fighting for our city’s schoolchildren. He believes that together, with the right leadership, we can ensure that every student in Los Angeles has the opportunity to succeed. Los Angeles Unified Board District 4 includes the communities of Brentwood, Del Rey, East Hollywood, Encino, Hollywood, Mar Vista, Marina Del Rey, Pacific Palisades, Playa Del Rey, Playa Vista, Tarzana, Toluca Lake, Topanga, Westchester, West Hollywood, Westwood, Woodland Hills, and Venice.
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If you would like more information about this topic, please call Ally Salvaria at 818-726-6151 or email at [email protected].