Education in California

As a school board member of the South Bay Union High School District, which provides secondary education for the children of Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach, I am upset by articles such as the one entitled “Two-Tier Economy Feared as Dead End for Unskilled” (Metro, June 25).

It is apparent from the tone of the article and the quotes of those interviewing that once again the problems of the Los Angeles Unified School District are considered the norm for public education in the Los Angeles area, and we all need to search for yet-untried solutions. I would suggest that several programs being provided by districts other than Los Angeles Unified are tackling the problem identified by the article, and some success is being achieved.

Two illustrations:

1. The Southern California Regional Occupational Center is a joint power agency operated by six independent school districts (Inglewood, El Segundo, South Bay Union, Centinella Valley, Palos Verdes and Torrance.) These districts serve some of the poorest, as well as some of the most affluent, areas in the Los Angeles region. The students at SCROC are a broad cross section, including many minorities who are currently being trained and employed in those skills that the article indicates are lacking. SCROC literally has employers clamoring for its graduates, with the only negative item being the lack of funding from the state.

2. The South Bay Union High School District, through its adult education and independent study programs, has provided those students with desire a means to achieve their high school diploma. This is not a watered-down program. The graduates are required to meet the same academic standards as the students in our comprehensive high schools. With the cooperation of the business sector, we have set up independent study classrooms at the business site, and in effect, taken the high school to the business.

In conclusion, there are districts in the Los Angeles region other than LAUSD. Maybe something could be learned from them.

NOEL PALM

President, South Bay Union High

School District Board of Trustees