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- Parents and teachers from six low performing schools have cast their children's futures with L.A. Mayor Villaraigosa. They voted to be governed by a non-profit organization under the Mayor's leadership. But the plan is still vague. Will he be able to do what L.A. Unified has not? Sam Louie visits a school that is hoping change is on the way. (TRT: 7:31)
The Mayor Gets His Schools
Last updated: May 2, 2009
Reporter's NOTES
Sam Louie
The mayor wanted the opportunity to affect education within Los Angeles when he first came into office. Although it’s not as comprehensive as he would like, a handful of schools has joined the mayor’s partnership in shifting control from the district to a partnership for Los Angeles, a nonprofit group started by the mayor’s office.
I believe education reform is long overdue in Los Angeles. The size and bureaucracy of the district has affected students, teachers and staff members across the board. While test scores may be rising in the elementary years, the high drop-out rate in high school points to a system that needs major innovation. This new chapter could be a harbinger of much-needed reform.


The mayor’s partnership is just ideas. There are no concrete plans. How can this work for our kids?
AMadison - Los Angeles, California
Yes, I support Mayor Villaragosa, a very pro-active mayor; take over any LAUSD school. LAUSD has got to be one of the most corrupt institutions in the U.S.
It’s full of graft, corruption, racism and incompetent administrators (don’t be suprised–an Army General quit Washington, D.C., as superintendant after 18 months for the latter reasons except racism). Any watch dog is welcome–especially at District 5.
JADAMS - Venice, California