Max Arias, Executive Director of SEIU Local 99, released the following statement on the LAUSD School Board election results:
“The Custodians, Cafeteria Workers, Teaching Assistants, Special Education Assistants, Bus Drivers and other SEIU Local 99 members who ensure that students learn in safe, clean, healthy and supportive campuses, are proud of the work we did in this election. As parents of LAUSD students and graduates of LAUSD themselves, SEIU Local 99 members know that schools are at the heart of our communities and that much was at stake in this election.
“As the School Board ballots were counted, Angelinos are neck deep in unexpected circumstances. Since November, our students live in fear that they or their parents will be abruptly deported. LAUSD families worry that their healthcare is at risk, including many school employees. SEIU Local 99 members, who clean our schools, transport children, prepare school meals and assist in the classroom, still struggle to recover from the Great Recession and worry that any progress our schools have made will be lost due to the very real threat of massive federal education budget cuts to our public schools and misguided policies coming out of the federal department of education.
“In these times, we need LAUSD School Board Members who fully understand the magnitude of their role leading the second largest school district in the nation and one of the largest employers in California. We need leaders who will join us as we resist anything that slows or reverses progress we’ve made in rebuilding our schools and creating good jobs in Los Angeles.
“We are disappointed that Steve Zimmer did not secure a seat on the LAUSD Board. We value his social justice focus, especially during these times of upheaval in our communities. We are confident that in our mutual efforts to ensure that all children have access to a quality education, we will continue to work together.
“We congratulate Nick Melvoin and applaud his pledge to focus his efforts on addressing the needs of ‘our city’s most vulnerable.’ As parents of LAUSD students, SEIU Local 99 members are keenly aware that poverty, illness and many other factors impact a child’s learning. We are committed to working with Mr. Melvoin on addressing the needs of students both inside and outside the classroom. We also look forward to working with him as we fight to prevent President Trump’s misguided voucher plans and other threats to our public schools.
“We are disappointed that Imelda Padilla did not secure a seat on the LAUSD Board. With her history of fighting for our community, advocating for educational equity and her efforts to expand students’ access to culture, music and arts, we will, no doubt, continue to work together.
“We are very much aligned with Kelly Gonez’ priority to make sure every LAUSD student is prepared for college and career, and the further priority she puts on our students from low-income households, English language learners and students with special needs. We look forward to working with Ms. Gonez to continue to build safe, strong and supportive schools for our children.”
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SEIU Local 99 represents 35,000 employees in public and non-public organizations in early education, child care, K-12, and community college levels. SEIU Local 99 members are: Teacher’s Assistants, Playground Workers, Special Education Assistants, Bus Drivers, Gardeners, Custodians, Cafeteria Workers, Maintenance Workers, Family Service Workers, Child Care Providers, and others working in schools, colleges, and administrative offices throughout Southern California.
Paid for by Service Employees International Union Local 99 2724 W. 8th Street. This advertisement was not authorized, coordinated or paid for by a City candidate or a committee controlled by a candidate for this office. Additional information is available at ethics.lacity.org
Contact:
Blanca Gallegos: 213-500-9594, bgallegos@seiu99.org
