L.A. Unified board ratifies 'parent-trigger' partnership
by By Dalina Castellanos
The Los Angeles Board of Education on Tuesday ratified a partnership between the school district and a charter school to take control of struggling 24th Street Elementary under a controversial parent-empowerment law.
The vote marks the first time a school district has elected not to challenge a petition submitted by parents under the state’s “parent-trigger” law.
The law grants petitioners substantial authority, giving them options that include converting a low-performing campus to an independently operated charter school.
Parents at the Jefferson Park campus favored a partnership between L.A. Unified and Crown Preparatory Academy. The district will manage pre-kindergarten through fourth grade and Crown Prep will handle grades five through eight.
Supporters cheered the outcome after delivering their impassioned pleas to board members.
"I’ve gone to knock on so many doors to get this petition signed," said Amabilia Villeda, wearing a midnight blue shirt with the words "I am the revolution" emblazoned on it.
"This is the moment we have been waiting for," she said.
Erica Valente, who had withdrawn her children from the school, said she now looks forward to re-enrolling them.
"I did everything on my part to create change and I’m so happy my children can return to the school
