Tanya Ortiz Franklin becomes newest member of Los Angeles Unified school board

Tanya Ortiz Franklin, a former teacher, took her oath of office Tuesday to become the newest member of Los Angeles Unified’s seven-member school board.

Franklin was elected to the board in November and replaces Richard Vladovic, who was termed out. Before her election, Franklin was a staff member at the Partnership for LA Schools, a non-profit organization that helps run 18 L.A. Unified district schools.

Caleb Ebo, an elementary school student in the district, administered the oath of office for Franklin.

“Over the next four years, you can expect that I will work diligently and strategically with integrity and compassion so that every child in LAUSD has the best possible public education,” Franklin said during brief remarks. “You can expect that I will center the students and communities that have been historically marginalized so that we reshape our system to serve our most vulnerable neighbors.”

Three board members who were re-elected to the board this year — Jackie Goldberg, Scott Schmerelson and George McKenna — also began new terms Tuesday. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond administered the oath of office for each of them.

The board on Tuesday also unanimously voted board member Kelly Gonez to serve as the board’s president for the 2021 calendar year. Her current term as a board member runs through December 2022.

Gonez said during the meeting that she is “truly humbled to lead this board, particularly at such a pivotal moment” for Los Angeles schools.

“It’s my promise to serve as a president who is centered on our students and families above all else, especially during this dire and extremely difficult time for so many in our school community,” Gonez said.