With a freshman in college and a second grader, I've been in the trenches of Los Angeles Unified for a lot longer than I ever planned to be. We've tried virtually every type: open enrollment, magnet, local school. I am adamantly against school uniforms, pro public schools, and frustrated with the bureaucracy that is LAUSD. Previously, I answered questions on the LA Times Education blog, School Me!, now I just help people navigate the magnet system and show families how they can make educated choices for their children's schools without spending $25,000 per year on a few different websites. I volunteer with the PTA, write the school newsletter and coordinate the assemblies, and it's a family affair, since my husband handles the website and my son also comes home to help when he can.
For families who want to believe in a public education, feel free to private message me. My son is living proof that with a little work, public schools can cater to your child's individual needs.
Parents I'd Like to Meet
Down-to-earth parents at local LAUSD schools. San Fernando Valley parents looking for options (magnet, SAS or open enrollment) for Jr and Senior high. Parents, state and nationwide, interested in education politics and policy. Anyone with experience creating a public span school from a K-5. And parents with a good spread between their oldest and youngest children.