Education

By Wendy Greuel

Nothing is more critical to the economic future and quality of life in our Valley than improving the public education system. Our current challenges are daunting. 51% of kids entering high school in the LAUSD never graduate. Over 70% of LAUSD kids qualify for subsidized meals at school. The LAUSD has a $9 billion budget, but can't afford to clean restrooms and ensure that every child has textbooks. In spite of our many challenges, we have so much potential:

As your councilmember I will:

• Expand the LA's BEST program to provide city-supported afterschool programs that are safe and supervised for children and teenagers. I will lead the fight to find funding for this expansion

• Spearhead efforts to find sites for new schools, fight for changes to the state approval process for siting schools, and expedite construction to relieve our overcrowded campuses

• Ensure that new school designs incorporate more green space for kids to play and keep campuses cool, and work to increase green space at existing schools

• Ensure that the LAUSD does its part to protect our environment by purchasing clean fuel buses to transport kids to and from school.

• Expand library programs to improve reading levels for all students

• Increase campus-based management and local control, with parent and teacher participation in making decisions about resources and curriculum

• Lead an effort to build partnerships with LA businesses, parents and community groups to increase "Adopt-a-School" programs, and to increase community participation in the school system as mentors, consultants and volunteers

• Make school safety a number one priority by working with the LAPD to develop neighborhood school security plans, assign non-uniformed security to campuses when necessary, and demand a zero tolerance policy for violence, abusive behavior or bullying

• Expand investment by LA businesses in developing the workforce of tomorrow, apprenticeship and intern programs.