FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 16, 2025
CONTACT
Silvia K. Martinez, 213-241-8333
[email protected]
LOS ANGELES (Sept. 16, 2025) - Board President Scott Schmerelson, along with co-sponsors from Board Vice President Dr. Rocio Rivas and Board Members Sherlett Hendy-Newbill, Kelly Gonez, Nick Melvoin, and Tanya Ortiz-Franklin, passed a resolution to adopt Financial Literacy and Economic Justice into the LAUSD curriculum.
The resolution outlines a new personal finance class for high school students, along with the teaching of the current curriculum through a modern economic lens that affects the outcomes of all students throughout Los Angeles.
“This resolution has been a long time coming,” said Board President Schmerelson. “I believe this resolution will be beneficial to students in their lessons and to teachers, which may include topics they have been wanting to teach about regarding current economic events. We must begin to teach our students about the current financial landscape so that when the time comes, they can address the issue of poverty, where previous generations have failed to do so. But first, they must understand the systemic issues that have been in place for decades and in some cases, over a century.”
“Preparing students for the future means equipping them not only with academic knowledge, but with the financial skills and economic awareness to navigate the real world,” Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. “By embedding financial literacy and economic justice into our curriculum, Los Angeles Unified is empowering young people to make smart financial decisions and become active participants in creating a more equitable society.”
"Financial literacy is a tool of empowerment. By teaching our students about budgeting, banking, credit, and economic justice, we equip them to make informed choices, break cycles of debt, and build generational wealth," said Board Vice President Dr. Rocío Rivas.
“Financial literacy is a priority for Board District 1,” said Board Member Sherlett Hendy-Newbill. “In order for our students to be truly ready for the world, they must be knowledgeable about money, budgeting, saving, credit, investments, and engagement with financial entities, and I look forward to the District fully incorporating financial literacy into our curriculum.”
“Our communities deserve true financial freedom and economic justice, one that is not limited or defined by economic status or demographics,” said Board Member Karla Griego. “Economic justice begins with education. By equipping students with financial literacy and an understanding of the economic systems that shape their daily lives, we empower them to break cycles of inequity. This resolution ensures that economic justice is not an afterthought, but an essential part of the curriculum which is woven into multiple courses to prepare students for a more just and equitable future.”
“Financial literacy is yet another way our District can prepare students for success after high school graduation," said Board Member Kelly Gonez. "With new resources and professional development, our students will graduate ready for college, career, and life.”
"By integrating essential life skills like budgeting, saving, investing, and understanding economic systems into our curriculum, we equip all scholars—especially those in underserved communities—with the knowledge and confidence to build secure, prosperous futures,” said Board Member Tanya Ortiz-Franklin. “I’m excited to see this initiative expand district-wide, giving every student the tools they need to thrive financially and contribute to a more equitable society."
“Financial literacy is no longer optional — it’s a core life skill,” said Board Member Nick Melvoin. “Without explicit instruction, students are left to learn through costly trial and error. I’m glad this resolution builds on the District’s work and will expand partnerships with reputable financial institutions and community-based organizations to provide supplemental programs that help students develop essential financial skills.”
“I commend my colleagues on the Los Angeles Unified School Board for elevating financial literacy as a social justice issue of our time,” said Student Board Member Jerry Yang. “Empowering students with the knowledge to manage their finances is essential to helping them avoid debt and achieve long-term fiscal stability as they enter adulthood. I am proud to co-author this resolution that changes the future of students by integrating financial literacy into curriculum and preparing them to graduate college and career ready.”