Today, 163,384 students returned to 1,240 Los Angeles Unified elementary, middle and high schools, according to attendance reports submitted to the District. This represents a 13% increase in student attendance from the first day of the strike. Today’s attendance number is still incomplete because 33 schools had yet to submit reports through Los Angeles Unified’s internal attendance system.
The final tally for the number of students who attended school yesterday is 143,993.
“While education in classrooms is not the same without teachers, we have a responsibility to keep schools open and provide students with a safe space, shelter from the rain, meals and modified instruction,” said Los Angeles Unified Superintendent Austin Beutner.
“I am grateful for the tens of thousands of my colleagues – bus drivers, cafeteria workers, principals and educators – who are here to provide those students with a safe and welcoming learning environment.”
“Heroes yesterday were out marching to call for help, while heroes on the inside of schools showed up for 144,000 young people and their future,” said Los Angeles Unified Board President Mónica García. “Both on the inside and outside of schools, we are all on the kids’ side. We must come together for those students and families who are counting on us to end the strike.”
For more information, parents and families should visit lausd.net or call Los Angeles Unified’s dedicated strike hotline at (213) 443-1300 from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. While state law does not excuse absences in case of a strike and students are expected to attend class, principals will work with students and families on attendance. Student absences during the strike will not impact graduation.