By David W. Burns, USCM Intern
September 11, 2006

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa’s achieved one of his campaign goals of gaining more control over the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). California Assembly Bill 1381, shaped by new partnerships and compromises, passed the California Assembly and Senate and now awaits Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signature. While the bill does not include everything the mayor stated in his campaign, he is pleased with the end result. When the bill is signed, the law goes into effect January 2007, unless a lawsuit would prevent its implementation.

The bill passed the State Senate 23-14 with two Republicans voting for the proposal. In the State Assembly, it passed 42-20, with 17 abstentions. The votes were mostly along party lines, despite Schwarzenegger’s praise for the reforms included in the legislation. Upon passage of the legislation, the Governor said, “The students of LAUSD are winners thanks to the Legislature’s actions today. Mayor Villaraigosa stepped up with bold leadership to help our children achieve their dreams.”

There is not unanimous support among the state’s education groups. The California Teachers Association and the United Teachers of Los Angeles have supported the bill because it guarantees increased involvement on the part of teachers and principals in their individual schools including curriculum. The California School Boards Association, LAUSD school board and others are planning to file lawsuits questioning the constitutionality of the legislation or parts of it.

“I can tell you, I always knew this would be a tough battle,” Villaraigosa said. “But the real work begins. The work of putting [together] the broad and comprehensive plan of turning around our schools, the work of building consensus in the city of Los Angeles and the schools to create a new partnership for education reform. I’m very heartened.”

The legislation does not give the mayor total control over LAUSD, but it does provide the mayor with a greater level of involvement and an education leadership role. Since LAUSD includes 26 cities, including Los Angeles, a “Council of Mayors” was established in the legislation for selected oversight activities. One of the first tests of this oversight and approval role will come when the current LAUSD school board selects a new school superintendent.

Villaraigosa’s plan asked for changes that would shift budget and contracting authority away from the school board and to the Los Angeles Unified School District school superintendent. Under the new legislation the superintendent is to be appointed by the school board, but the selection is subject to the approval of the “Council of Mayors.” The legislation also gives the mayor direct control over three clusters of LAUSD schools, approximately 30 low-performing schools.

The new “Council of Mayors” can introduce programs that involve their cities and schools. Examples of these programs include after school projects, joint-use facilities, student safety and other social services. Some of these programs may be in place as early as June 2007.

“Make no mistake, this is a milestone that comes but once in a generation. We have brought parents, teachers, and community leaders together around the idea that we can and must do better for our children,” said Villaraigosa.