Principal Gradillas
The Times editorial “Buried Treasure” (Jan. 7) and Jay Mathews’ column “A Superior Principal” (Op-Ed Page, Jan. 4), both about former Garfield High School principal Henry Gradillas, prompt me to clear up a number of inaccuracies and innuendoes suggested by the authors which, unless put in perspective, offer readers only a partial view of the issue.
I’ll preface my comments by indicating that Gradillas has earned and maintains an excellent reputation not only in the community but among his colleagues and administrators at all levels in the Los Angeles Unified School District.
At the conclusion of his sabbatical last July, I discussed with him the possibility of an assignment as part of our district’s “school-based management project.” However, the initial discussions we were having during that period with our teachers’ union regarding school-based management were moving more slowly than expected, and so we decided not to establish a staff project team at that time. It became necessary to proceed with another appointment for Gradillas.
Because no appropriate positions were immediately available, it was decided to assign Gradillas temporarily to head our district’s massive asbestos inspection and abatement project. This program is of vital importance to help protect the health of students and staff and to insure compliance with regulations regarding asbestos safety. Gradillas clearly understood the temporary nature of the assignment.
Early in November, we were able to offer Gradillas a position as a region administrator of operations, which he declined because of his interest in taking another position that had been offered to him in the meantime by the state Department of Education.
Had he remained with the district, I was ready to recommend to the Board of Education his appointment as region administrator, because we wished to have other schools benefit from the experience, skills and dedication that he exhibited at Garfield High School.
Yes, as stated in the editorial, we are very pleased that Gradillas will continue his close ties with the school district, “doing what he does best,” helping students to become better educated. We have not lost Gradillas. Indeed, all public schools in California have uncovered our “buried treasure,” gaining a valuable educator at the state level who will continue to initiate and influence successful programs.
LEONARD BRITTON
Superintendent, LAUSD
