LAUSD Bill Moving Through the Legislature
By Michael Gardner
Copley News Service
SACRAMENTO -- Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is on the verge of a remarkable triumph, convincing the Legislature and the governor that he can turn around the nation's second-largest school district.
As Villaraigosa watched from a second-floor gallery, frequently sending a thumbs-up to supporters below, the state Senate on Monday delivered a bipartisan 23-14 vote for legislation that would hand Villaraigosa powers never before given to a California mayor.
Under the measure already endorsed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Villaraigosa would have broad authority to help pick a Los Angeles Unified School District superintendent, to oversee about three dozen of the lowest-performing schools and to assume a bigger role in advising the board on personnel and budget decisions.
"This is a radical departure from where we've been," Villaraigosa said before hustling over to the Assembly side of the Capitol, where the measure is expected to be approved as early as today.
Unwilling to concede, Los Angeles school board members and district Superintendent Roy Romer have been conducting a final door-to-door lobbying campaign.
"Sure, it's a juggernaut," said Romer, noting that legislative leaders have made it clear they expect Assembly Bill 1381 on the governor's desk. Villaraigosa also has secured the backing of powerful local and state teacher unions and key business leaders.
If the bill is signed into law, legal challenges are sure to follow. The Legislature's attorney has suggested that it may be unconstitutional to transfer authority to the mayor.
School board members have sharply attacked the mayor's proposal, saying it exaggerates the district's woes at a time when test scores and graduation rates are inching up.
Villaraigosa and his allies acknowledged the progress but insisted the pace is so slow that, at current rates of improvement, the district will not achieve its goals for years.
"This is a bill about raising expectations -- and opportunities," said Sen. Gloria Romero, D-Los Angeles, one of the authors.
In voting for the bill, district critic Sen. Debra Bowen, D-Marina del Rey, said bluntly, "It's hard to make things worse." Sen. Ed Vincent, D-Inglewood, also supported the measure, saying, "I voted to make a change."
The long reach of the mayor irritates Mike Lansing, a Los Angeles Unified trustee who represents the area from Carson to San Pedro.
"How involved are they going to be? Are they going to pick principals? Are they going to pick the colors in the bathrooms? Where does this micromanagement end?"
Lansing said the measure will diffuse and confuse responsibility.
"It's about no accountability and more micromanagement. That's not good for kids," he said.
Villaraigosa also continues to balk over submitting his takeover plan to voters in the 727,000-student district, infuriating district officials and parents who oppose the plan.
"Today, the Senate told the moms and dads that they don't have the right to vote," said David Tokofsky, a board member and high school history teacher.
Villaraigosa responded by saying, "That's what you say when you're trying to put a wrench into the process." The vast number of Los Angeles-area representatives have voted to support his bid, the mayor pointed out.
Confident, bordering on cocky, Villaraigosa even implored the school district to carefully select a new schools chief this fall to replace Romer, who is retiring.
The board is likely to select a new superintendent before the legislation would go into effect Jan. 1, setting up a potentially uneasy working relationship with Villaraigosa.
Villaraigosa said that, "under the circumstances," he thinks the district should refrain from offering a lengthy contract -- normally about four years.
"If they want to move in that direction ... they'd be thumbing their noses at the Legislature and the people of California," Villaraigosa said.
Villaraigosa said he should be closely consulted in the hiring process once interviews begin, perhaps as soon as mid-September. If they don't, and he opposes the choice, Villaraigosa vowed to use his position to have the new superintendent fired.
But Villaraigosa would not wield that much power, even under the new legislation. The bill states that the mayor, with the support of mayors of other cities in the district, can only confirm a board's selection of the superintendent. However, the superintendent will have to work closely with the mayor on improving low-performing schools and other responsibilities.
Marlene Canter, president of the school board, said the district wants Villaraigosa consulted.
"I have always wanted the mayor involved in some way," she said, but a lengthy contract of up to four years is necessary. "A superintendent of national stature is not going to leave from where they are to come here for a short contract," Canter said.
Romer said his replacement will be prepared to wade into a contentious situation. "They all have to have political agility. It's not something they will be stepping into with blinders on," he said.
Bravado aside, Villaraigosa at times took a conciliatory approach. "Battles like this create divisions, polarize sometimes," he said. "My responsibility is going to be bringing people together."
The Senate vote was an interesting mix, with support coming from two Republicans often arguing that the only way to save LAUSD is to break it apart.
"This will at least help lead us to accountability," said Sen. George Runner, R-Lancaster, who represents a slice of the district.
But some Democrats have misgivings. Sen. Jackie Speier, D-Daly City, said the role of the mayor and superintendent would be so powerful that "you might as well get rid of the school board."
Sen. Dean Florez, D-Shafter, warned lawmakers that mayors across the state are eyeing a role in their schools.
"Be prepared for a long line of mayors -- a very long line," Florez said.
Florez last week touched a nerve when he claimed that lawmakers were lining up behind the bill to curry favor with leadership, comparing it with the television show "American Idol."
On Monday, Sen. Romero fired back. She said, "This is not about 'American Idol.' This is about the American Dream."
South Bay officials are closely monitoring developments in the Capitol.
The Carson City Council has voted to oppose the legislation. Mayor Jim Dear said, "We in Carson don't have that bad an experience as far as communication issues go. I am able to work with the local principals and (Local District 8 Superintendent) Myrna Rivera to resolve issues. So, that's not an issue we're complaining about.
"What we are complaining about is test scores and the atrocious dropout rate. We need to focus on those issues," he said. "We are apprehensive in Carson. That's why we voted on a resolution. Yet if (the legislation) does pass, we want to make the best of the situation."
To read the bill and analysis, go to www.legislature.ca.gov/ and enter the bill number, 1381, in the search field.
http://www.dailybreeze.com/news/articles/3757742.html?showAll=y&c=y
Copley News Service
SACRAMENTO -- Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is on the verge of a remarkable triumph, convincing the Legislature and the governor that he can turn around the nation's second-largest school district.
As Villaraigosa watched from a second-floor gallery, frequently sending a thumbs-up to supporters below, the state Senate on Monday delivered a bipartisan 23-14 vote for legislation that would hand Villaraigosa powers never before given to a California mayor.
Under the measure already endorsed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Villaraigosa would have broad authority to help pick a Los Angeles Unified School District superintendent, to oversee about three dozen of the lowest-performing schools and to assume a bigger role in advising the board on personnel and budget decisions.
"This is a radical departure from where we've been," Villaraigosa said before hustling over to the Assembly side of the Capitol, where the measure is expected to be approved as early as today.
Unwilling to concede, Los Angeles school board members and district Superintendent Roy Romer have been conducting a final door-to-door lobbying campaign.
"Sure, it's a juggernaut," said Romer, noting that legislative leaders have made it clear they expect Assembly Bill 1381 on the governor's desk. Villaraigosa also has secured the backing of powerful local and state teacher unions and key business leaders.
If the bill is signed into law, legal challenges are sure to follow. The Legislature's attorney has suggested that it may be unconstitutional to transfer authority to the mayor.
School board members have sharply attacked the mayor's proposal, saying it exaggerates the district's woes at a time when test scores and graduation rates are inching up.
Villaraigosa and his allies acknowledged the progress but insisted the pace is so slow that, at current rates of improvement, the district will not achieve its goals for years.
"This is a bill about raising expectations -- and opportunities," said Sen. Gloria Romero, D-Los Angeles, one of the authors.
In voting for the bill, district critic Sen. Debra Bowen, D-Marina del Rey, said bluntly, "It's hard to make things worse." Sen. Ed Vincent, D-Inglewood, also supported the measure, saying, "I voted to make a change."
The long reach of the mayor irritates Mike Lansing, a Los Angeles Unified trustee who represents the area from Carson to San Pedro.
"How involved are they going to be? Are they going to pick principals? Are they going to pick the colors in the bathrooms? Where does this micromanagement end?"
Lansing said the measure will diffuse and confuse responsibility.
"It's about no accountability and more micromanagement. That's not good for kids," he said.
Villaraigosa also continues to balk over submitting his takeover plan to voters in the 727,000-student district, infuriating district officials and parents who oppose the plan.
"Today, the Senate told the moms and dads that they don't have the right to vote," said David Tokofsky, a board member and high school history teacher.
Villaraigosa responded by saying, "That's what you say when you're trying to put a wrench into the process." The vast number of Los Angeles-area representatives have voted to support his bid, the mayor pointed out.
Confident, bordering on cocky, Villaraigosa even implored the school district to carefully select a new schools chief this fall to replace Romer, who is retiring.
The board is likely to select a new superintendent before the legislation would go into effect Jan. 1, setting up a potentially uneasy working relationship with Villaraigosa.
Villaraigosa said that, "under the circumstances," he thinks the district should refrain from offering a lengthy contract -- normally about four years.
"If they want to move in that direction ... they'd be thumbing their noses at the Legislature and the people of California," Villaraigosa said.
Villaraigosa said he should be closely consulted in the hiring process once interviews begin, perhaps as soon as mid-September. If they don't, and he opposes the choice, Villaraigosa vowed to use his position to have the new superintendent fired.
But Villaraigosa would not wield that much power, even under the new legislation. The bill states that the mayor, with the support of mayors of other cities in the district, can only confirm a board's selection of the superintendent. However, the superintendent will have to work closely with the mayor on improving low-performing schools and other responsibilities.
Marlene Canter, president of the school board, said the district wants Villaraigosa consulted.
"I have always wanted the mayor involved in some way," she said, but a lengthy contract of up to four years is necessary. "A superintendent of national stature is not going to leave from where they are to come here for a short contract," Canter said.
Romer said his replacement will be prepared to wade into a contentious situation. "They all have to have political agility. It's not something they will be stepping into with blinders on," he said.
Bravado aside, Villaraigosa at times took a conciliatory approach. "Battles like this create divisions, polarize sometimes," he said. "My responsibility is going to be bringing people together."
The Senate vote was an interesting mix, with support coming from two Republicans often arguing that the only way to save LAUSD is to break it apart.
"This will at least help lead us to accountability," said Sen. George Runner, R-Lancaster, who represents a slice of the district.
But some Democrats have misgivings. Sen. Jackie Speier, D-Daly City, said the role of the mayor and superintendent would be so powerful that "you might as well get rid of the school board."
Sen. Dean Florez, D-Shafter, warned lawmakers that mayors across the state are eyeing a role in their schools.
"Be prepared for a long line of mayors -- a very long line," Florez said.
Florez last week touched a nerve when he claimed that lawmakers were lining up behind the bill to curry favor with leadership, comparing it with the television show "American Idol."
On Monday, Sen. Romero fired back. She said, "This is not about 'American Idol.' This is about the American Dream."
South Bay officials are closely monitoring developments in the Capitol.
The Carson City Council has voted to oppose the legislation. Mayor Jim Dear said, "We in Carson don't have that bad an experience as far as communication issues go. I am able to work with the local principals and (Local District 8 Superintendent) Myrna Rivera to resolve issues. So, that's not an issue we're complaining about.
"What we are complaining about is test scores and the atrocious dropout rate. We need to focus on those issues," he said. "We are apprehensive in Carson. That's why we voted on a resolution. Yet if (the legislation) does pass, we want to make the best of the situation."
To read the bill and analysis, go to www.legislature.ca.gov/ and enter the bill number, 1381, in the search field.
http://www.dailybreeze.com/news/articles/3757742.html?showAll=y&c=y
