Romer on Crowding

Recently a reporter read to me 10 student complaints in a row about overcrowding. Because of the length of the list, I said it sounded like whining (Sept. 25). That was a mistake. Their complaints are legitimate and I should have been more sensitive in replying.

Am I concerned that many of our schools are overcrowded? You bet I am. Does it get in the way of the students being properly educated? Absolutely. This is why I have made it one of my highest priorities to aggressively search for solutions to find more space to meet these needs. We have a master plan that will provide 65,000 more school seats in the next five to six years. We are actively working with the state to enable us to qualify for more state funding for building schools. We are rigorously pursuing every possible means available.

I am very attuned to the frustrations of the students and am making every effort to address them.

SUPT. ROY ROMER

LAUSD