District Superintendent Alberto Carvalho welcomed students back to Los Angeles Unified School District campuses on August 12, 2024, as the academic year for 2024-25 began. However, the first day of school was not without its challenges, as a light 4.4-magnitude earthquake and an industrial explosion near one school caused some disruptions.
Carvalho reassured the public at a news conference held at Venice High School that no LAUSD buildings were damaged in the earthquake, and thankfully, no injuries were reported. Despite the relatively minor impact, one school, Woodrow Wilson High School, had to be evacuated as a precautionary measure. Students in other schools were instructed to take cover under their desks and away from windows to ensure their safety.
The district superintendent also addressed reports of a fireball and explosion near Jordan Senior High School on Monday, which was believed to have originated from an Atlas metal recycling plant. He mentioned that LAUSD is collaborating with the district attorney’s office to investigate the incident further.
As the new school year commenced, Carvalho outlined the progress LAUSD had made over the past year and shared his goals for the upcoming academic year. School board Vice President Scott Schmerelson, along with board members Nick Melvoin and Rocio Rivas, and other district officials, also expressed their commitment to ensuring a successful year ahead.
Acknowledging that the summer break may have felt short for some students and teachers, Melvoin expressed gratitude for their presence and emphasized the importance of a collective effort to make LA Unified the premier urban district globally.
Academic Achievements
Carvalho highlighted the district’s improved California Smarter Balanced Assessment scores and pointed out that the graduation rate had reached nearly 87%, marking the highest percentage in LAUSD’s history. He also commended the success of the district’s Summer of Learning program, which catered to approximately 120,000 students.
Schmerelson touched on the significance of adult education and stressed the importance of promoting gender diversity in LAUSD’s airplane mechanics programs. He emphasized that adult education is free for both LAUSD students and adults, as they are all part of the same educational community.
Melvoin shared that over 14,000 students were enrolled in LAUSD’s transitional kindergarten (TK) program for the current academic year, reflecting the district’s commitment to early childhood education.
Infrastructure and Transportation Upgrades
In terms of school facilities and transportation, Carvalho announced a historic milestone of having a sufficient number of bus drivers on the road on the first day of school, eliminating the need for substitute drivers. He mentioned that the district had hired over 100 additional drivers during the summer to ensure smooth transportation operations.
Furthermore, LAUSD made a significant investment in acquiring 180 electric buses, marking the largest acquisition of its kind by the district. Melvoin noted that students were provided with free Metro passes to address their transportation needs effectively.
The district’s focus on safety and preparedness was underscored by Carvalho’s mention of a bond measure that the school board had recently approved for the November ballot. He emphasized the importance of ensuring seismic resilience in school infrastructure, especially in light of the recent earthquake.
Additionally, Melvoin revealed plans to unveil a new outdoor education center in January, further enhancing the educational experiences offered by LAUSD.
Staffing and Support Services
Carvalho proudly announced that every classroom in the district now has a fully credentialed and certified teacher, ensuring high-quality instruction for all students. He also highlighted the presence of an extensive network of healthcare professionals within the district, emphasizing the holistic support provided to students.
Rivas praised the welcoming atmosphere created by teachers and the enthusiasm displayed by students on the first day of school, emphasizing their readiness to engage in learning experiences.
Moving Forward
As LAUSD navigates the challenges and opportunities of the new academic year, the commitment of district leaders, teachers, and staff to providing a world-class education remains unwavering. With a focus on academic excellence, infrastructure upgrades, and student support services, LAUSD is poised to uphold its reputation as a leading urban school district.
As students settle into their classrooms, engage in learning activities, and forge new connections with peers and educators, the spirit of community and collaboration that defines LAUSD serves as a foundation for success. By prioritizing student well-being, academic achievement, and innovation in education, LAUSD continues to pave the way for a bright future for all its students.
