April 1, 2019

With business groups allied against it, L.A. parcel tax faces big hurdle

The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, the Valley Industry and Commerce Association and the L.A. County Business Federation criticize the district in their ballot statement and plan a $4 million campaign to defeat Measure EE on June 4 ballot.

John Fensterwald

March 17, 2019

Push underway to lower the barrier for school districts to pass a parcel tax

If the Legislature agrees, voters in November 2020 will consider lowering the threshold for approval from two-thirds to 55 percent.

John Fensterwald

February 21, 2019

California charter schools facing new oversight under fast track legislation

Senate Bill 126, which was passed in the Senate Feb. 21, would require that California charter school boards comply with the same open meeting, conflict-of-interest and disclosure laws as district school boards, including holding public board meetings, opening records to the public upon request and ensuring board members don’t have a financial interest in contracts on which they vote.

Diana Lambert

February 5, 2019

Gov. Newsom asks to review impact of California charter schools on district finances

United Teachers of Los Angeles questions the need for the panel, and says an "immediate cap" on charter schools is "urgently necessary."

Louis Freedberg And Mikhail Zinshteyn

January 30, 2019

LA Unified, teachers still face challenges over contract and charter school moratorium

L.A. Unified's school board and UTLA have ratified a contract, but L.A. County Superintendent Debra Duardo is skeptical the district can pay for its promises, and the Legislature may not agree to a charter school moratorium.

John Fensterwald

January 24, 2019

Outcome of Los Angeles teachers' strike crucial for labor movement nationally

Show of strength by United Teachers Los Angeles despite efforts to weaken it by depriving it of union fees.

Louis Freedberg

January 17, 2019

County oversight will add wrinkle to LA Unified's teacher contract talks

School districts are required to maintain a minimum level of reserves, or county offices of education will intervene.

John Fensterwald

December 20, 2018

Los Angeles teachers plan to strike Jan. 10, union says

After fact finder agrees with district's salary offer, union accuses district of failing to bargain in good faith and refuses further talks.

Theresa Harrington

July 23, 2018

L.A. school board member resigns after pleading guilty to campaign money laundering

Ref Rodriguez's resignation ends the charter-backed majority on the Los Angeles Unified school board. Replacement plans are uncertain.

Larry Gordon

May 14, 2018

A South LA high school's journey back from the brink

Augustus F. Hawkins High, which is situated at the crossroads of multiple gang territories, almost died at its birth. A commitment to restorative justice helped save it.

David Washburn

February 1, 2018

Kickboxing and Kundalini: Part of a novel approach to reducing charter school teacher attrition

A Los Angeles charter school network creates a wellness program to lower teacher stress and boost teacher retention.

George White

January 22, 2018

LA’s choice: In charter wars, board members say they will seek bridge builder as next schools chief

For the L.A. Unified board, outgoing superintendent may be the model for a successor.

George White

January 21, 2018

Education activist launches new school accountability campaign

Activist Ben Austin founded the Kids Coalition to help parents and students obtain more input into the educational policies of the Los Angeles Unified School District

George White

January 11, 2018

Schools become a 'safe haven' for Salvadoran students in wake of crackdown

More than 50,000 U.S.-born students in California have Salvadoran parents who had temporary protected status.

Carolyn Jones

January 9, 2018

UCLA initiative promotes school collaboration to improve math performance

The new center will create educator networks statewide to improve student performance.

George White