Dear friends and partners,

The votes are in...and this year wins as one of the most challenging on record. And while our work continues to overcome these challenges, I am filled with pride at the record voter turnout and civic engagement of last week’s election. I am grateful to Los Angeles voters who overwhelmingly approved Measure RR, LA Unified’s School Upgrades and Safety Measure. I am hopeful that new leadership in the White House will bring more federal resources to support the needs of our school communities—in times of crisis and beyond. 

This week, we hosted a virtual conversation with Supt. Beutner to answer parent questions about reopening efforts. Unfortunately, given the current level of the virus, there is simply not enough time left in the calendar for the Los Angeles area to meet the state guidelines that would allow us to reopen schools before the winter break, but Mr. Beutner described some of the steps we are taking to prepare in the meantime. 

Following a resolution I introduced to explore providing physical spaces for students to engage in distance learning, LA Unified will be expanding in-person childcare, tutoring, and special education services. The District continues working with our teachers, principals, and school staff to plan for the day when we can provide students and families the option to return to campus, as well as coordinating with Districts across the state and urging our government entities  to prioritize education in reopening plans. 

This election might be over, but our advocacy on behalf of our kids’ future is far from finished. Progress takes hard work and steadfast commitment, and we are in it for the long haul—from Los Angeles all the way to our nation’s capital.

Onward,

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