Personally, I see how this affects families in my district every day -- parents juggling multiple jobs, public schools serving as food banks and mental health centers, and educators stretched thin. It's why I fight so hard for revenue reform and long-term solutions. Our kids deserve a school system funded with dignity, not leftovers.
Q. What accomplishment during the past term are you most proud of, and how do you see it impacting the district in the future?
In just three years, I'm proud of the work we've led -- and the impact we've made -- across so many critical areas: the highest student achievement scores in years, Measure US, a $9 billion investment to modernize aging schools and create good union jobs; stronger protections for community schools; integrating worker-rights education into classrooms; and real progress on equity, safety, and infrastructure.
But the accomplishment that best reflects our approach to building a stronger learning environment is how we elevated dual enrollment across LAUSD -- not just as a program, but as a strategy for college readiness, career access, and academic achievement.
Dual enrollment allows high school students to take college-level courses and earn college credit while completing their diploma.
Early in my first term, our office embraced the importance of dual enrollment and took a hands-on approach. We collaborated with partners to host webinars for families and students, brought in region superintendents, district staff, and community college leaders, and worked to make the process clear and accessible. Most importantly, our office directly engaged students who faced barriers -- and they became leaders themselves: co-hosting webinars, sharing their stories, and helping shape long-lasting solutions.
This work led to the first districtwide Dual Enrollment Resolution, expanded partnerships with additional community colleges and foundations, and a model that other districts can now look to as they develop or scale their own programs.
Dual enrollment connects everything we care about: academic achievement, equity, college access, and pathways to good careers. And this is just the beginning -- the foundation is built, and we're ready to work with district leadership and community partners to ensure every LAUSD student has multiple, meaningful pathways to the future."
Information from the Re-Elect Dr. Rocio Rivas for LAUSD School Board, District 2 campaign can be found on its website.
Recognized as "a valiant fighter for public schools," Carl Petersen is a former Green Party candidate for the LAUSD School Board. Shaped by raising two daughters with severe autism, he is a passionate voice for special education. Recently, he relocated to the State of Washington to embrace the role of "Poppy" to two grandsons. Explore more at TheDifrntDrmr.
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