Len Feldman
A bill backed by CTA and United Teachers Los Angeles would allow teachers, a council of mayors, and other area residents to play a role in improving the state’s largest school district, Los Angeles Unified.
AB 1381, by Assembly Member Gloria Romero (D-Los Angeles), would enable the mayor of Los Angeles in partnership with teachers, parents, other school employees, the district and community groups to exercise leadership in improving some of the district’s lowest-performing schools.
The pilot project, which would last for six years, reflects a local agreement that does not set a precedent for other parts of the state.
The bill would also create a council of mayors from the 27 cities that make up LAUSD. While the board of education would continue to set policy for the city’s schools and the superintendent would continue to carry out that policy, the council of mayors would have the power to ratify the board’s selection of the district superintendent and would advise the school board on matters of government support services to children in the district, including coordinating school safety with municipalities. The council would also play an advisory role in reviewing and commenting on the district’s budget, with the board of education making final budget decisions.