CONTACT: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Shannon Haber, 213-241-6766 February 4, 2020
Board of Education Declares Feb. 24-28 as Public Schools Week
LOS ANGELES — Underscoring their belief that every child deserves a high-quality education to help them achieve their potential, the Board of Education unanimously adopted a resolution on Tuesday declaring Feb. 24-28 as Public Schools Week.
The resolution also calls for Los Angeles Unified to continue advocating for increased funding to help accelerate achievement for students in the nation’s second-largest school district.
“I am a product of public schools, and my great public education provided the foundation for all that has come since,” Superintendent Austin Beutner said. “Our job is to make sure all students get a great education.”
Board Member Scott M. Schmerelson, who sponsored the resolution, highlighted the role of public schools in teaching students to think critically, solve problems and build relationships.
“A well-supported public education is the foundation for assuring well-educated and well-rounded students,” he said. “If school districts are held accountable for preparing current and future generations of citizens, then we must hold our publicly elected leaders in Sacramento accountable for strengthening our school systems through increased accountability, funding and transparency for our public schools.”
The resolution was co-sponsored by all the other members of the board.
“I’ve said it over and over – we are underfunded,” Board President Dr. Richard Vladovic said. “We need to be loud and constant advocates for increased funding for public K-12 education. It is vital and a necessity for all our students, not just for academic success but in order for each student to succeed in every future life endeavor.”
“Education is a tool for empowerment,” Vice President Jackie Goldberg said. “Our schools must have the resources to provide students with the academic and social training they need to become agents of change so that they can go on to empower others in their communities.”
“Public Schools Week celebrates the success and continued success that public schools have on our students, our communities and our nation,” Board Member Dr. George J. McKenna III said. “Nine out of 10 students in America attend public schools and we need to ensure that each and every one has equal access to a high-quality educational program in our public schools.”
“Public schools have great potential to provide opportunity and access for young people,” Board Member Mónica García said. “This is why the fight for equity is critical for our Los Angeles Unified students who are 90% students of color and 80% from low-income families. Let us empower all of our communities to demand more so that we can serve all students well. They deserve it.”
“Public education is the basis upon which a well-functioning democracy and 21st century workforce is built,” Board Member Nick Melvoin said. “This Public Schools Week, I hope we can celebrate the many thriving programs we have throughout Los Angeles Unified, while continuing our efforts to expand access to high-quality public education so that every child has the opportunity to succeed.”
“Successful public schools are the foundation to a successful community and democratic society,” Board Member Kelly Gonez said. “I hope we take this time to celebrate the many ways Los Angeles Unified schools help our students grow – including in English and math, but also in music, visual arts, performing arts, athletics, technology and so many other wonderful programs. These programs support the whole child and ensure each student