LAUSD Board of Education member Nick Melvoin recently visited early education centers after they reopened. (photo courtesy of LAUSD Board Member Nick Melvoin’s Office)

We are nearing the end of an incredibly difficult school year for our kids and families, and as your Los Angeles Unified School District Board representative, I wanted to provide an update on our plans to navigate the path to recovery for students and families. Our schools are currently open for hybrid instruction with childcare options, and we are thrilled to be able to celebrate our graduates in person in the coming weeks now that schools can officially hold in-person, socially distanced graduation ceremonies.

As we send our new graduates into the world, we are also planning for a future that will give our school communities the guidance, resources and funding they need to chart a path forward for next year’s students. This fall, all students will have the opportunity to participate in full-time, on-campus in-person instruction. As we finalize labor negotiations, we know that full-day programs for both elementary and secondary students will look much like they did prior to the pandemic. We will put all the necessary health and safety protocols in place in accordance with county and state public health guidance. We are currently enrolling students of all ages for next year – visit a local school or apply.lausd.net.

To continue leading vaccination efforts in L.A. County, the district has introduced a new mobile initiative to offer vaccines at school sites to students ages 12 and older with a consenting parent or guardian present. In addition to our school-based clinics that have been vaccinating school staff and community members, this effort will expand access and help Los Angeles reach herd immunity as quickly as possible. This program is up and running and should reach every middle and high school before the end of this school year. You can learn more and sign up by visiting dailypass.lausd.net.

We are also preparing for upcoming summer learning programs available to every district student. These programs include in-person and virtual options, with academic, enrichment and childcare opportunities. For information, visit achieve.lausd.net/summer2021.

Over the past weeks, the LAUSD board has continued discussions and approved historic investments in schools, including funding for additional mental health support, tutoring, teaching staff and nursing services. The board also recently voted for a more equitable path to recovery, increasing our Student Equity Need Index commitment for next year to $700 million to be allocated to schools on the basis of need. This flexible, locally controlled funding source will help individual school sites meet the unique needs of their students and communities.

As we continue preparing for the short- and long-term recovery from this crisis in our school communities, I will continue pushing for transparency, accountability and student-centered decisions. We need to put the needs of our kids first to ensure that they can fully heal and overcome the trauma and loss of this past year.

For information and to sign up for our newsletter, visit boardmembermelvoin.com and follow @nickmelvoin on Facebook and Twitter.

Wishing you all a great summer, and another big congratulations to the class of 2021.

-Nick Melvoin

Board Member

LAUSD Board of Education