This is a very surreptitious way of doing business whereby you’re trying to hide…something perhaps you don’t want us to know.“ – Roberto Fonseca, LAUSD Parent LAUSD Board members elected with the support of the charter industry held a majority for a little over a year before Ref Rodriguez was forced to resign after committing […]
LAUSD Board Member Ref Rodriguez Resigns. Now what?
Rodriguez’s misdeeds…made a mockery of the laws governing elections.“ – LA Times Editorial Board When Ref Rodriguez was first charged with felonies related to his 2015 election to the LAUSD School Board, his attorney declared that it was “much ado about nothing“. It actually amounted to a great deal since Rodriguez is now a convicted […]
The LAUSD Continues to Reward Failure
Shoot the hostage.” – Speed The California Charter School Association (CCSA) paid millions to purchase the LAUSD School Board, but their narrow majority is in danger. Not only is Ref Rodriguez, one of their hand-selected Board members, facing criminal charges related to his campaign, but the charter school chain he founded has accused him of having […]
Broad’s Latest Attack on Democracy
We serve the people of Greater Los Angeles because we believe there is a better path for the children of our great district. Unfortunately, the serious allegations against Dr. Ref Rodriguez distract from that critical mission.” – Monica Garcia, Nick Melvoin and Kelly Gonez While the LAUSD School Board was evaluating the performance of the […]
Broken Promises: Another Failing Charter Gets A Pass
It’s not about the kids” – Monica Garcia When the LAUSD School Board handed control of Locke High School to Green Dot Public [sic] Schools in 2007, the school ranked “among the lowest-performing schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District and in the state.” At that time, Green Dot’s Steve Barr said that if […]
Without Discussion the LAUSD Board Chooses a President
Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” – Paraphrasing George Santayana Just months after assuming a majority of the LAUSD School Board, the charter supporters already find themselves embroiled in controversy. Their first selection for President, Ref Rodriguez, is facing felony charges and was forced to resign from the position. As […]
Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil, See No Evil: The Failures of LAUSD’S Charter School Division
State law provides that an authorizer is not liable for debts, obligations [or] liabilities so long as [they] provide appropriate oversight. We believe we are providing appropriate oversight.” [emphasis mine] – José Cole-Gutiérrez As the District slides towards bankruptcy due to declining enrollment, the LAUSD School Board is set to act on another round of […]
The People’s School Board?
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” – The First Amendment Apparently, the Bill of Rights is […]
Paying the Price for Monica Garcia’s Win
If parents are not happy with the school program, it is a school of choice. They are free (and indeed encouraged) to remove their kids from the school. There are plenty of other public school options for their children.” – Mr. Tschang, former KIPP Principal As I walked off stage at the only debate in […]
The Illusion of School Choice
ASB funds can never be used to loan money to any group or individual” – GHCHS’ ASB Handbook as quoted by the LAUSD Charter School Division Although parents were never notified, the LAUSD’s Charter School Division (CSD) issued a Notice to Cure to Granada Hills Charter High School (GHCHS) on September 21, 2016. This notice […]