Newly elected Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education president Jackie Goldberg has had long careers in education and public service, including stints as a high school teacher and as an L.A. City Councilwoman. (photo courtesy of Jackie Goldberg)

Jackie Goldberg, a longtime educator with a distinguished career as a public advocate, was elected Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education president on Jan. 17. Goldberg – who has taught high school for 17 years – has also been an L.A. City Councilwoman, state Assemblymember and a professor at UCLA’s Graduate School of Education.

“I’m honored to be elected by my colleagues to lead the school board as we continue the hard work of helping all of our students academically achieve,” Goldberg said. “My number one goal is for every student to realize their potential and for every adult in our district to play their part.”

Board member Scott M. Schmerelson was elected vice president. Schmerelson spent almost four decades in the classroom, school counseling and administration, and has served on the board of education since 2015. He is committed to making a difference for students and neighborhood public schools.

“I am honored to serve as vice president of the L.A. Unified Board of Education this year, alongside board president Jackie Goldberg and my fellow board members,” Schmerelson said. “I trust that we will continue working to improve the conditions for student learning in our schools and working collaboratively with our superintendent, our staff and our community partners.”

“Congratulations to board member Jackie Goldberg for being elected president, and to board member Scott M. Schmerelson for being elected vice president,” Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. “There is much work to be done and I look forward to working with them and all board members to provide the resources and opportunities our students need to succeed. Together, we will ensure that every Los Angeles Unified student graduates ready for the world.”