FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact:
February 9, 2006 Cesar Chavez
Office: 213-250-0052
Cell:562-394-7956
SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES DISCUSS PLANS
FOR EDUCATION REFORM
Community Groups Host Forum to Learn of Candidates’ Positions
(Los Angeles, CA) Four candidates for the Los Angeles Unified School Board presented their qualifications and ideas on school reform in anticipation of the March 7th Special Election to fill the District 2 seat left vacant by former School Board member José Huizar who was elected to the Los Angeles City Council last November.
The candidates responded to questions poised by concerned Belmont High School students and members of the community and covered such pressing issues as how to reduce the drop-out rate, implement small learning communities as a part of high school reform, improve the learning opportunities for non-native English speakers and increase student achievement.
“It is critical to have forums that allow the community to meet the candidates and become familiar with their positions on critical issues affecting their children,” stated Veronica Melvin, executive director of the Alliance for a Better Community that co-sponsored the event. “As a result of tonight’s forum, our community is more aware of the March 7th special election and more familiar with the candidates and the issues as they prepare to vote,” added Melvin.
The candidates include Chris Arellano an organizer for the United Teachers of Los Angeles and a social worker by training, Ana Teresa Fernandez who comes from the charter school community, Monica Garcia the former chief-of-staff for School board Member Huizar, and Enrique Gasca who is a Neighborhood Council Board member.
The candidates vie for a seat in the midst of heated discussions around mayoral control that could disband the elected school board in favor of a mayor appointed governing body or a single head of the school board.
“Before we start talking about mayoral reform, we need to know how any kind of governance reform will impact our kids,” stated the forum moderator Veronica Olmos, also the executive director of the Central City Neighborhood Partners. “Perhaps one of these candidates tonight has the solution to improving our public education,” added Olmos.
The forum was hosted by the Belmont Education Collaborative, a partnership of education stakeholders in the Pico Union region that work with local schools to ensure all students graduate prepared for success in college, work and life. The League of Women Voters, the Filipino American Service Group Inc., and One LA-IAF also co-hosted the event.
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