Teachers and parents fight to save New Elementary School #4 from privatization

November 13, 2009 – South East city parents and teachers have organized and worked hard to identify and prepare a plan to improve their school as provided by the LAUSD school choice motion. Parents and teachers want to make a public statement of solidarity and send a message to public officials that they will fight to keep their new Elementary school as an LAUSD public school.

United Teachers Los Angeles has been working with schools District-wide to create plans that meet the unique needs of individual schools.  The teachers’ union believes that all LAUSD schools must serve the local community, including all local students, English language learners and special ed students. UTLA believes that unique, individualized school-specific plans created from within schools are in the best interest of students, as opposed to one-size-fits-all solutions from outside operators. 

“UTLA is committed to helping teachers create plans that work best for their school,” said A.J. Duffy, UTLA President.  “Authentic school change must come from within.  Every school is different and teachers, parents and the local community, those closest to the classroom, know best what their students need.”

“We also want to show teachers and parents that we are together in the struggle to save their schools.” said Ingrid Villeda, teacher and UTLA member.

What:       Rally and Press Conference
When:       Monday, November  16, 2009, 3:30 p.m.
Where:      New Elementary School #4, 4500 Firestone Blvd., South Gate, 90280

Contact Marla Eby, UTLA Director of Communications at 213-368-6247 for additional details.

###