District Superintendent Alberto Carvalho warmly welcomed students back to campus on August 12, 2024, as the Los Angeles Unified School District commenced its first day of the 2024-25 academic year. However, the day was not without its challenges as a light 4.4-magnitude earthquake and an industrial explosion near one school disrupted the normal routine for students and staff.
Despite the unexpected events, Carvalho assured the public at a news conference held at Venice High School that no LAUSD buildings were damaged in the earthquake, and fortunately, no injuries were reported. However, Woodrow Wilson High School was forced to evacuate as a precautionary measure. Students across the district were instructed to take cover under their desks and away from windows as a safety protocol.
In addition to the earthquake, reports surfaced of a fireball and explosion near Jordan Senior High School, believed to have originated from an Atlas metal recycling plant. Carvalho stated that LAUSD is collaborating with the district attorney to investigate the incident further. The superintendent remained poised and attentive in addressing the situation, reflecting his commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students and staff within the district.
Academics and Achievements
Amidst the tumultuous start to the school year, Superintendent Carvalho took the opportunity to highlight the academic achievements of the district over the past year. He proudly announced that California Smarter Balanced Assessment scores had shown improvement across the board, reflecting the dedication and hard work of students and educators. Additionally, he emphasized the district’s record-high graduation rate of nearly 87%, marking a significant milestone in LAUSD history.
Carvalho also commended the success of the district’s Summer of Learning program, which saw an impressive turnout of approximately 120,000 students eager to enhance their academic skills during the break. Vice President Scott Schmerelson echoed the sentiment by touching on the importance of adult education and the need to encourage more women to pursue opportunities in the district’s airplane mechanics programs.
Board member Nick Melvoin shared encouraging news regarding the enrollment of over 14,000 students in LAUSD’s transitional kindergarten (TK) program, signaling a strong start to the academic year. The collective achievements and initiatives outlined by district officials reflected a commitment to academic excellence and student success.
School Facilities and Transportation
In addition to academic accomplishments, Superintendent Carvalho emphasized the strides made in school facilities and transportation within the district. Notably, LAUSD made history by having a sufficient number of bus drivers on the road on the first day of school, eliminating the need for substitute drivers. The district’s proactive approach resulted in the recruitment of over 100 new drivers during the summer, ensuring smooth operations for student transportation.
Furthermore, LAUSD acquired its single largest fleet of electric buses, totaling 180 vehicles, as part of the district’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Board member Melvoin underscored the importance of providing students with free Metro passes to address transportation needs effectively, promoting accessibility and convenience for all students.
Carvalho emphasized the significance of a bond measure recently approved by the school board, emphasizing the need for investment in seismic resilience in light of the day’s earthquake. The district’s proactive measures and strategic planning reflected a dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of students and staff amidst potential challenges.
Staffing and Support
As the school year commenced, Superintendent Carvalho reassured the public that every classroom within the district was staffed with fully credentialed, certified teachers, reflecting a commitment to academic excellence and student support. Additionally, the district boasted an unprecedented network of health care professionals to address the comprehensive needs of students and staff throughout the academic year.
Board member Rocio Rivas expressed admiration for the welcoming atmosphere created by teachers and the eagerness displayed by students to engage in learning. The collaborative efforts of educators, administrators, and support staff underscored a commitment to fostering a nurturing and inclusive educational environment for all members of the LAUSD community.
In Conclusion
The first day of the 2024-25 academic year for the Los Angeles Unified School District was marked by unexpected challenges, including a light earthquake and an industrial explosion near one school. Despite these disruptions, Superintendent Alberto Carvalho and district officials remained steadfast in their commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of students and staff.
As the district navigated through the day’s events, a focus on academic achievements, school facilities, transportation, and staffing underscored a dedication to excellence and student success within LAUSD. The collective efforts of educators, administrators, and support staff reflected a shared commitment to providing a high-quality education and supportive environment for all students.
Moving forward, LAUSD remains poised to overcome challenges and continue its legacy of academic excellence and innovation, setting the stage for a successful and fulfilling school year for students and staff alike.
