April 10, 2014

 

By Thandisizwe Chimurenga

 

Contributing Writer

 

 

 

The words “battle” and “education” seemingly should not go together and yet, for most of African American history in the U.S., seeking an education that would develop the whole person as well as prepare one for future responsibilities has been exactly that. The battle continues today with efforts to secure representation on the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education. The District 1 seat which had been held by longtime educator Marguerite Lamotte prior to her death last year will be filled in a Special Election called for June 3rd.

 

 

 

 

 

 

District 1 consists of a sprawling section of Los Angeles that extends along the 110 freeway on the east, partially north just beyond Wilshire Blvd., west through portions of West and South Los Angeles, and ends just past El Segundo Blvd. to the South, cutting through the areas of Cheviot Hills, HancockPark, Windsor Hills, parts of South Los Angeles and Gardena.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The predominantly Black and Latino area is hotly contested. For starters, there are millions of dollars in per pupil monies that must be allocated fairly throughout

Los Angeles' districts.

 

 

These monies are not only for teacher salaries but they go beyond that in terms of facilities, professional staff such as mental health counselors/therapists, additional tutoring, other kinds of health staff/support, as well as additional curriculum resources such as desktop and laptop computers. Here’s a brief look at the candidates and the top contenders.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2-other candidates captions BUT no photos…

 

 

 

Hattie McFrazier is a retired employee of the LAUSD who spent 31 years in a variety of positions including teacher, counselor, School Attendance Review Board chair and Health and Human Services director. She has held positions with education organizations such as the National Education Association, the California Teachers Association, and the Board of Directors of United Teachers of Los Angeles. She is endorsed by the UTLA House of Representatives.

 

 

 

Omarosa Manigault is currently a special education substitute teacher in Los Angeles Unified School District. She also maintains a teaching appointment at Howard University in Washington, DC and she is an ordained pastor, and a former participant on the television show “The Apprentice.”

Category: News