The Board of Education met on 11.19.24 at 11 am. You can find the materials here, the video in English here and the video in Spanish here.
The Board of Education approved the following items relating to Board District 3.
- Contract for Community Schools Steering Committee and Standing Committee: Van Nuys El, Northridge MS
- Contracts to to increase arts education in grades K-12.
- Contracts to provide shelf-ready library books for school libraries districtwide. Books are already cataloged and processed according to district specifications like barcodes, machine-readable cataloging records, and spine labels.
- Purchase cell phone pouches for students
- Contract with LA City Economic and Workforce Development Department (EWDD) to provide supplemental funding for services aimed at reengaging students. Will serve students aged 16-24 who have dropped out of high school or graduated but are not yet enrolled in college or employed. Strategically places PSAs counselors within YouthSource Centers and America’s Job Center of California for comprehensive services. Will also focus on foster, incarcerated, unemployed, and homeless youth.
- Two Accessibility Enhancement Projects – Mayall Academy of Arts –Replacing 15 paths of travel, 6 restrooms, 4 drinking fountains, one concrete ramp, 2 metal ramps, 3 assembly seating areas, 1 playground matting area, and other accessible upgrades Limerick ES – Installati0n of approximately 2,800 square feet of new matting and a new accessible play structure with integrated shade for students 5-12 years old. Lawrence MS – Construction of 12 new pickleball courts, sound barrier fencing with accessible gates, and parking adjacent to the courts.
Board Member Schmerelson co-sponsored resolution with Board Member Gonez – Reckoning with Our Past, Honoring Our Present: Developing a Los Angeles Unified Land Acknowledgement
- LAUSD apologizes for past harms to Indigenous communities, pledging to support truth, healing, and reconciliation.
- The District will integrate Indigenous history and culture into curricula, professional development, and establish a public land acknowledgment by June 2025.
- The District commits to honoring local tribes, enhancing representation, and advocating for federal recognition of the Gabrieleno Tongva and Fernandeño Tataviam tribes.
- “Indigenous history is Californian history,” said Board Vice President Scott M. Schmerelson. “Supporting our indigenous neighbors also requires us to listen to their voices and understand their struggles. I am happy to support this resolution to recognize LAUSD’s efforts to rectify a historical and social injustice for these communities.”
Board Member Schmerelson co-sponsored resolution with Board Member Dr. McKenna: Recognizing November as National Runaway and Homeless Youth Prevention Month
- LAUSD declares November 2024 as Homeless Youth Awareness Month to increase awareness of the severe challenges homeless youth face, including lack of housing, safety, and stability.
- The District reaffirms its commitment to supporting homeless youth by providing access to education and exploring initiatives, partnerships, and legislation to combat youth homelessness.
- Emphasizing education’s role in preventing homelessness, the District highlights the importance of targeted resources, safe housing, and community support to reduce the risk of youth becoming chronically homeless.
- “We refuse to give up on our homeless youth during this difficult time in their lives,” said Board Vice President Scott M. Schmerelson. “The District is implementing services such as laundry trucks, mental health services, resources for housing, and other things. However, I am not satisfied and will always look for new strategies and collaborations to serve even more students.”