SEIU Local 99 Executive Director Courtni Pugh issued the following statement on Dr. John Deasy’s continued tenure as Superintendent of LAUSD:
“We are glad that the School Board has reaffirmed its commitment to the Superintendent.”
“As cafeteria workers, custodians, teaching assistants, bus drivers and others who provide essential services to LAUSD students, SEIU Local 99 members have always welcomed Dr. Deasy’s appreciation for the role that support staff play in student success. He shares our belief that the men and women who feed the children, clean the school restrooms, aide in the classroom, and safely transport students to school every day are critical to student learning.”
“As parents of students in LAUSD schools, we have also valued Dr. Deasy’s commitment to our communities and to addressing the needs of the whole child. Dr. Deasy has understood that it is difficult for children to learn when they are hungry or sick or poor. His steadfast leadership in support of the Breakfast in the Classroom program, wellness clinics in our schools, and expansion of technology to all children in the District, demonstrates his willingness to seek innovative solutions to the difficult realities faced by many LAUSD families.”
“During his tenure at LAUSD, Dr. Deasy has had the difficult task of steering the second largest school district in the country through some of its most challenging economic times. We have had hard budget discussions and we have often disagreed with his decisions. But we have always appreciated his openness, his value of classified employees, and his commitment to put our children first. These leadership qualities are necessary to move LAUSD, and our communities, forward.”
“We look forward to continuing to work with him and the board members of the Los Angeles unified School District to address the needs of students inside and outside the classroom.”
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SEIU Local 99 is a union of nearly 45,000 education workers in K-12 schools, early education centers and homes, administrative offices, and community colleges throughout Southern California, including nearly 30,000 cafeteria workers, teacher aides, custodians, bus drivers and others providing essential student services at LAUSD schools. Nearly 50% of SEIU Local 99 members are also parents or guardians of school-age children.
