Healthy Employees Keep Our District Thriving

As part of our ongoing effort to keep you informed about the investments being made on behalf of L.A. Unified students, families, and staff, we are initiating a new series of weekly updates: “Employees’ Connection.” This week’s communication focuses on investments in employees’ health. Read more...

First-In-The-Nation Employees Deserve First-In-The-Nation Per-Pupil Funding

You are 1st-in-the-nation employees. Nowhere else in this country do 60,000 individuals come together in unison every day to uplift the aspirations and capabilities of 500,000 youth—85 percent of whom grapple with poverty, language barriers, transiency, or trauma—and achieve such remarkable results. No other school district, business, agency, or organization comes close to what you do. Read more...

L.A. Unified and Our Union Partners Demand Adequate Resources for Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities soar when given the right resources. Take Christopher Leon: born with spinal muscular atrophy, Christopher has lived fulltime at home in a wheelchair since first grade. Read more...

Investing in You is One Way We Say Thanks

Thanksgiving is nearly here—a time of laughter, merriment, food, and gratitude—and our gratefulness is centered on you, our first-in-the-nation employees. Read more...

There’s a Key Difference This Year—Funding is Slowing

The movement for fair school funding is underway. On November 14, the Board of Education unanimously passed a Resolution calling on California to significantly increase per-pupil funding. Read more...

Student Attendance is Rooted in Personal Relationships; Safe, Clean Schools; and Meaningful Learning

As wildfires overwhelmed southern California, L.A. Unified closed over 250 schools this week. When the fires erupted, I went to nearby schools and experienced the smoke. As both a mother and colleague, I was consumed with concern for the safety of our students and staff. Read more...

You are the absolute best!

I am deeply appreciative for the unparalleled dedication and passion of every employee in this district. Read more...

Our Unchanging Mission

This week was marked by both turbulent changes and steady constants.  L.A. Unified’s beloved superintendent, Dr. King, announced her retirement after 33 years of impeccable service to the students, families, employees, and communities of Los Angeles; the Board appointed me as interim superintendent, a role I am deeply humbled and honored to perform; and students and staff returned from break to embark upon exciting new topics of exploration. Read more...

Tentative Health and Welfare Agreement Reached

In October 2017, we launched the Employees’ Connection as a way to keep you informed about the District’s ongoing investments in our employees and students, including the generous health care options available to valued staff. Chapter 1 of the Employees’ Connection outlined the District’s initial health and welfare proposal. Read more...

Helping Each Other Stay Healthy

As the end of January nears, and as we continue our efforts to keep New Year’s resolutions alive, I would like to remind you about an opportunity that is part of our health and wellness initiative. District employees are eligible to receive special gym membership rates. Read more...

In Moments of Uncertainty, Our Leadership is Called Upon More Than Ever

As we move swiftly into February, and dedicate special time to honor countless African American trailblazers throughout Black History Month, the wise words of my dear colleague and friend Dr. Michelle King resonate profoundly in my ear: “Maintaining the safety of every student, parent, and employee remains the District’s top priority.”  These words guided and strengthened our resolve to support our school communities during yesterday’s challenges. Read more...

The Pillars of Our Communities

Historically, introducing students to the world around them has often meant gathering them together to embark on an exciting field trip.  Now, educators are also devising innovative ways to bring the community into our schools, so that students can access the opportunities and myriad of resources that their community has to offer, right outside their classrooms.  Read more...

You Are a Critical Part of Disrupting Our Funding Reality

The horrific shooting that occurred this week in Florida consumed our hearts and minds, and provided another tragic reminder that maintaining safety in today’s society requires everyone’s constant vigilance. Read more...

History is Among Us

History is among us.  Imprinted on every fiber of society are the indelible contributions of African American trailblazers, who—through courage, ingenuity, and fortitude—have shaped the world we live in today. Read more...

“We Are One: Standing with Immigrant Families” Awareness Month

Fifty years ago, Chicano students in East Los Angeles walked out of their classes—and into the history books—in a landmark protest for equity, adequacy, and cultural relevancy in L.A. Unified schools. A series of community events have been organized throughout the District to honor students’ vision of equity and quality education, including a “walk-in” demonstration, a social justice awards ceremony, reenactments, arts festivals, an assembly, and more. Please visit our Vision 2068 webpage for a complete listing of events. Read more...

A Time to Heal Through Acts of Kindness

As our hearts and minds remain focused on the tragedy in Florida, community groups across the nation are organizing to advocate around gun control and school safety.  These are undoubtedly important discussions to have, and L.A. Unified will continue to embrace civic engagement while prioritizing student safety.  Read more...

Democracy in Action

This week, students and adults across the U.S. made their voices heard on the issue of gun violence. Read more...

Shout Out to Our Employees

Spring comes once a year, and with it comes the excitement of rebirth and the promise of warmer weather.  Most L.A. Unified schools will be closed March 26 through April 2 for Spring Break and the Cesar Chavez holiday.  As we prepare for this break, I want to take a moment to thank every classified and certificated employee for the invaluable work you perform each day.  Read more...

“We Are One” Arts Benefit Concert

Immersing students in the arts has been shown to yield innumerable benefits: improved academic performance across subjects, unearthed passions and talents, an enduring appreciation of timeless art forms, a disciplined work ethic, bolstered confidence, and so much more.  Read more...

Distinguished Schools

When State Superintendent Torlakson recently announced that 17 L.A. Unified elementary schools had been named 2018 California Distinguished Schools, I was filled with excitement, and paused to reflect on what exactly makes a school “distinguished.”  Read more...