As I grow older, I really realize how much I hate politics. I don't know why people can't go about doing the jobs they were elected to, especially given how much vitriole they're willing to spew to get the job in the first place. This summer, we've been all over the state and the country with a variety of bowling tournaments for Michael, and while I'm doing my best to keep up on local events, I'm blown away by the sudden interest in LAUSD that Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has.
San Fernando is one of the "little cities" that is part of the Los Angeles School District. We have our own police department with under a two-minute response time, our own city council (good and bad), and plenty of other things that make this community one that I want to stay in. As a small city, we also contract services with the county for animal control, with the city of LA for fire protection, and with LAUSD for educational purposes.
LAUSD is, I believe, the second largest district in the country. And in this case, big is not better. But for the last 12 years, I've been able to navigate the system and create an educational experience that my son is happy with. In September, Zoe joins the 600,000+ kids in the system as she heads off to kindergarten. I'm at home full-time with a minimal workload and taking care of them, which I consider my primary job. We attend every open house at the school, we actually watch the school board meetings on cable, and we attend every meeting for the construction projects regarding new schools in our area. We are involved.
Antonio Villaraigosa is the Mayor of Los Angeles. The people there voted him in. I'm not given that luxury, so please forgive me while I get a little territorial when a career politician suddenly decides that managing one of the largest cities in the country isn't enough, he has to control the schools too. I'm not sure what backroom deals have already been cut with the teachers' union and other state politicians, but there's a bill that hits appropriations on Monday that affects my kids. Our city hasn't even had the chance to weigh in on the effects or talk to the families this will no doubt affect. Mayor Villaraigosa, you have enough on your plate. Can you please leave the kids in Los Angeles alone? Long after you run for governor or president of the United States, we're going to be stuck with this system you're creating, and we won't be able to get back the years you spent trying to build your political Q. AB 1381 is a bad idea for the cities you will dominate with the weighted vote system. School reform is complicated, and no political slogan will fix schools in the short time you will be in Los Angeles.
Gotta Split,
Angel
Angel,
I am a reporter with Education Week, a national newspaper that covers school issues. We are based in Washington, DC.
I saw your comments about AB 1381 and was wondering if you might be willing to talk to me as a parent who does not favor the mayor's plan.
You can reach me at [email protected] If you are willing and available, let me know how I can reach you by phone. If you'd like to see Education Week: www.edweek.org
Thanks very much,
Lesli Maxwell
