L.A. Times says Deasy may resign; Deasy responds he has not quit

The Los Angeles Times reported Thursday that Los Angeles Unified Superintendent John Deasy told Board of Education members that he intends to resign in coming months. But in a text to EdSource Thursday night, Deasy said he had not quit. “I have not resigned. Have not submitted letter of resignation.” He declined further comment.

Deasy’s performance evaluation is expected to be discussed Tuesday when the school board next meets.

Deasy, 52, has often come under fire during his tenure, and the district administration has clashed recently with the board. Last month, Deputy Superintendent of Instruction Jaime Aquino announced his resignation, effective in December, citing disagreements with the board and board President Richard Vladovic.

Vladovic spoke with Deasy on Thursday, according to the Times report. “We are shocked,” Vladovic spokesman Mike Trujillo told the newspaper. “Dr. Vladovic is shocked, saddened and surprised.”

Deasy implemented a number of controversial policies, including using student scores on standardized tests to evaluate teachers, the Times reported. His $1 billion plan to outfit students and teachers with iPads has met with criticism. Critics said the plan was poorly thought out without a concrete plan for how the technology would be used.

The teachers’ union, United Teachers Los Angeles, which has repeatedly classed with Deasy over reforms he initiated, issued a statement following the Times story. Under the headline “It’s About Time,” it said, in part, “Deasy has ignored the concerns of the District’s teachers and health and human services professionals for a very long time.  UTLA is hopeful that the School Board and the entire LAUSD community will take this opportunity to refocus the District back to its most basic mission: providing every student with a well-rounded education.”

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