Schmerelson's record supports political machine, not families

By Gregory McGinity, Executive Director of CCSA Advocates

Scott Schmerelson has proven to be a Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) school board member that puts his politics ahead of good policy. He does not let fiscal responsibility get in the way of protecting the special interests that put him in office. His poor record speaks for itself. He must be replaced.

He has continuously sided with the bureaucrats who want to eliminate high quality education options and opportunities for families.

The shutdown of schools due to COVID-19 has placed a spotlight on the many inequities that exist in school districts nationwide, including in LAUSD. Teachers continue to do their best to help, but they cannot do it alone. They need real leaders that will stand with them.

While some LAUSD school board members are working to ensure the district’s students most in need receive specialized instruction during the pandemic, Mr. Schmerelson has been focused on paying back political favors to the political machine that has stymied student progress for years. For example, on Mr. Schmerelson’s watch, 66% of LAUSD students fail to meet state standards in math and 56% fail to meet state standards in literacy. Thousands of graduates cannot meet the basic qualifications for college. This is not the fault of our students. This is the district’s and Mr. Schmerelson’s failure.

Perhaps most egregious is Mr. Schmerelson’s effort to shut down a school that would help at-risk children by providing additional structure, direction, and support. In November 2017, Mr. Schmerelson voted to close L.A.'s only public military academy, a school modeled on the one established by former Democratic Governor Jerry Brown in Oakland. This unique Los Angeles school was ultimately kept open by L.A. County Office of Education (LACOE). (NOTE: As a then member of LACOE, I voted to keep this important school open.) Ninety-one percent of the school’s students are socio-economically disadvantaged. In addition, 20 percent of students at this public military academy receive special education and 90 percent have persistent problems with learning.

Additionally, Mr. Schmerelson repeatedly voted to either shut down or block the opening of other schools that offered specialized programs for students with special needs. This is his record:

• He voted against starting WISH high school near the LAX Airport that would have focused on special education inclusion and would have included an award-winning special education program.
• He voted against the renewal of the Alliance Patti and Peter Neuwirth Leadership High School, one of Los Angeles' only high schools to win the California Distinguished Schools Award, and which serves 96 percent low-income students.
• He voted to strip away El Camino Real High School’s ability to redevelop abandoned district property without a better plan, leaving properties unused adversely affecting the Woodland Hills community for year.

Mr. Schmerelson has other very troubling votes, including:

• February 2016: He voted against efforts to lower DWP rates for schools, which might have provided additional funds for the district’s limited art and music programs.
• June 2016: He voted against a resolution to maximize the use of unused classroom space in existing schools. This would have paved the way for more personalized instruction in LAUSD facilities.
• January 2017: He voted to protect central office administrative positions instead of putting that money at school sites to help principals and teachers.
• January 2017: He voted against moving forward with a feasibility study regarding the sale of LAUSD’s sizable downtown headquarters, a move which has since been supported by the Los Angeles Times and which could generate significant resources for students.
• April 2017: He voted to allow companies to market junk food to kids.

Mr. Schmerelson’s votes have not only cost taxpayers millions over the years, but he has limited real educational opportunities for kids. As evidenced by his voting record, he has repeatedly sided with the status quo machine that has driven LAUSD politics for generations. Just this past summer, Mr. Schmerelson voted to begin what is likely an illegal process that will lead to the closure of high quality public schools that serve students that are most in need. These are educational opportunities our students and families will never get back.

LAUSD is the second largest district in the country. All kids should have the best opportunity to succeed. And that is why it is crucial that the San Fernando Valley families in Board District 3 take a stand against Mr. Schmerelson’s horrendous record and replace him on Election Day, November 3.

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Gregory McGinity is Executive Director of CCSA Advocates, which supports California's nonprofit charter school community. CCSA Advocates engages in efforts to provide education and resources to help more charter schools increase civic participation, including youth civic engagement.