Plan to Let Trustees Redraw Boundaries Is Headed for Fall Ballot

The Los Angeles City Council voted 9 to 1 Tuesday to begin the process of placing a measure on the ballot in November that would make the Los Angeles school board responsible for drawing its own political boundaries under reapportionment.

The plan approved Tuesday was introduced by Councilman Hal Bernson, who represents the northwestern San Fernando Valley. It directs the city attorney to draft a proposed amendment to the City Charter, which now gives the council the final say on redistricting the school board. The charter amendments would have to be approved by the voters.

The action came after two weeks of bitter council debate on redrawing the school board districts in order to create a second Latino-dominated district. The final remap plan was hotly opposed by San Fernando Valley-based groups, including the 31st District Parent Teacher Student Assn.

Councilwoman Joy Picus, who represents the southwestern Valley and led the fight against the adopted remap plan, said it is “ridiculous” that one government agency--the council--has the power to meddle in the political affairs of another--the school board.

Bernson argued that because memories of the recent debate are fresh, the time is ripe to seek to reform the charter.

“These things have a tendency to be forgotten,” Bernson said. “Now is the time for this to go on the ballot.”

Casting the only dissenting vote was Councilman Mike Hernandez, who argued that the matter of reforming the way the school district is reapportioned every 10 years should be looked at as only part of a comprehensive review of the adequacy of the city’s “rotten” school system.

“This is an opportunity for us to look at this issue and develop a partnership with the schools,” Hernandez said.