News Release
CONTACT: Shannon Haber, 213-393-1289
School Board Approves Efforts to Advance Black Student Success Will Provide Additional Staff and Resources to H.E.E.T. Schools
LOS ANGELES (Feb. 9, 2021) – The Board of Education today approved a resolution that will provide more than $30 million for additional teachers, counselors, nurses, librarians and other resources to schools that are part of the Humanizing Education for Equitable Transformation (H.E.E.T.) Network because of a significant underperforming black student enrollment. Superintendent Austin Beutner will return in thirty days with more specifics and recommendations for implementation.
“We need to make sure every student has the opportunity to succeed in school and life,” Superintendent Austin Beutner said. “For too long, an opportunity gap has existed, and it’s time we do something about it.”
Board Member Dr. George J. McKenna III sponsored the resolution.
“By every academic measure in Los Angles Unified, African American students, as a group, rank at the bottom,” Board Member Dr. McKenna said. “This is not new. Last year, twenty years ago, fifty years ago, many of our black students were struggling, falling behind and failing. Despite outstanding individual achievement by our black valedictorians and other high performers, too many African American students never receive adequate resources to be successful academically.”
“The Board’s commitment today demonstrates our continuous drive to expand educational opportunities for our Black students,” Board President Kelly Gonez said. “I eagerly await the Superintendent’s plan for how we can make sustainable investments to support the H.E.E.T. schools and the children they serve.”
“I am committed to real and lasting change for African American students,” Board Member Mónica García said. “It will not be easy, but it is necessary and requires this system to change.”
“As a former school administrator and teacher, I cannot think of a more fitting way to acknowledge Black History Month than by powering equity into action and supporting the talents and gifts of black students with the additional funding and resources to achieve full time staffing at the targeted schools called for in this resolution,” Board Member Scott M. Schmerelson said. “Thank you, Dr. McKenna, for your efforts and insight.”
“When it comes to supporting the success of our Black students, our actions speak louder than words,” Board Member Nick Melvoin said. “If we truly want to fight for racial justice in our public schools, it's time to stop talking about closing the opportunity gap and take steps to invest in targeted and equitable solutions so every child in every school has the ability to reach their full potential.”
“As a classroom teacher, I know firsthand that all children can learn,” Board Member Jackie Goldberg said. “To close the achievement gap, Los Angeles Unified needs to provide the resources and supports that our Black students need.”
“Board District 7 is proud to support a much-needed deeper investment in our peer Board District 1 H.E.E.T. schools to cultivate a model to elevate and advance Black student success,” Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin said. “We look forward to providing better opportunities for our Black students, learning from targeted action in these schools, and scaling success to support all Black students across our District.”