LAUSD Board (2020 Election) - Virtual Townhall

The Coelho Center for Disability Law, Policy & Innovation and The Youth Justice Education Clinic held a virtual townhall to ask questions of candidates running for LAUSD school board in contested seats (districts 3 & 7).

The questions focused on issues that included: school police, prop 15, special education and COVID-19.  Questions were also be open for the public to ask.

This event was in contiuation of our

Agenda: 

  • Welcome / Introduction – The Honorable Anthony “Tony” Coelho 5:00 – 5:10
  • Live Performance by LAUSD Youth Artist "Dashaun" – 5:10 – 5:15
  • Candidate’s Forum – 5:15 – 6:00
  • Audience Q&A – 6:00 – 6:10
  • Closing Remarks – 6:10 – 6:15

*All candidates were invited.

Co-Hosted with ACLU SoCal, & the Youth Liberty Squad.  A special thank you to the following students from the Youth Liberty Squad. 

  • Elizabeth Simon
  • Andy Melgar
  • Christine Latif
  • Luis Cruz
  • Kareen AndersonSyre Baker
  • Lindsey Lopez

Click here to view the townhall: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxkKGUZKbcg 

 

Candidate Questions: 

Question 1

SCHOOL POLICE

  • What is your opinion on the role of school police and what would be your plan to apportion the school district’s budget if police continue to be defunded?

Question 2

SCHOOLS & COMMUNITIES FIRST (PROP 15)

  • This November, California voters will have the opportunity to vote on Proposition 15. This ballot initiative would reclaim about $12 billion for schools and local government. What is your position on Proposition 15, and would you commit to personally endorse it for this November’s election? Why or why not?

Question 3

SPECIAL EDUCATION

  • What is your opinion on LAUSD’s decision to not evaluate students for special education thus far during COVID-19?

Question 4

COVID-19

  • What is your plan for students with disabilities in (re)imagining the education system given COVID-19?

Question 5

DISTANCE LEARNING

  • Last month, LAUSD began its school year unlike any in the history of education. How will you address school accountability to meet the accommodations & supports needed by students, especially those that are low-income, homeless, English learners, those involved in the juvenile legal system, and/or in foster care?

Question 6

DISTANCE LEARNING

  • As distance learning continues in the district, how will you ensure student’s mental health is continuously addressed even after COVID-19?