L.A. School District Breakup
“School District May Soon See a Rush for the Exits” (Nov. 11), though otherwise informative on efforts to break up L.A. Unified, gave the unfortunate impression that the typical breakup group is in a race to be first, so as to beat the Jan. 1 deadline of state Sen. Tom Hayden’s (D-Santa Monica) bill, and thus win “spoils” of segregation or a wealthy tax base.
This is certainly not the case in the San Fernando Valley, the largest geographical area seeking breakup. I have worked extensively with VALUE (Valley Advocates for Local Unified Education) and the 31st District PTSA, virtually the only organized groups studying breakup in the Valley, and I have never heard anyone call for going fast in order to win spoils of any kind.
The article also did not note that Assemblywoman Paula Boland (R-Granada Hills), the political leader of the breakup movement, at least in the Valley, has publicly, and repeatedly, called for going slowly, so as to “do it right.”
The point of smaller districts is not illicit spoils, but an enhanced sense of community and educational opportunity for all kids.
DOUGLAS LASKEN
Woodland Hills
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