Easing Crowding in L.A. Schools

* Re “Finding School Sites Will Need Everyone’s Creativity,” Commentary, Sept. 17: Is LAUSD Board of Education President Genethia Hayes for real? She writes about the need for new school construction and then offers charter schools as a solution to the worsening problem of overcrowded schools. Many people may not know that she and the rest of the board have turned down some of the most innovative and promising charter schools that have come to their attention, particularly New West Charter School.

If Hayes and the rest of the school board really cared about the education of hundreds of thousands of Angeleno children entrusted to their care, they would stop blaming the “community” and take the responsibility they have been entrusted with by the voters of Los Angeles. They would encourage and embrace groups of parents who want to help instead of alienating them. They would allow other “visionaries” an opportunity to change and improve things. The voting citizens of Los Angeles who really do care about education should remember that, the next time these board members are running for reelection.

PAUL ADLER

Los Angeles

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Apparently, everyone except Hayes and the rest of the board knows that over 68% of the land currently owned by the LAUSD is either not used, underused or misused. So what do the leaders of the LAUSD do with our money? They buy more land!

We all want more and better classrooms for our children, but spending the taxpayers’ money on land that is not necessary will just waste money that could better be spent on books and teachers wages.

STEWART COWEN

Reseda