Los Angeles Unified Superintendent Stays On

LOS ANGELES —The Los Angeles Unified School District board extended Superintendent John Deasy’s contract by one year to June 2016, after nearly five hours of discussion in closed session Tuesday.

Rumors had been reported saying that Deasy might resign in the days leading up to his one-year evaluation.

“The Board of Education gave the superintendent a satisfactory performance evaluation, which extends the term of his employment contract through June 30, 2016 pursuant to the terms of that contract,” LAUSD General Counsel David Holmquist said.

The board’s decision about Deasy’s fate garnered so much attention that discussion of the proposed $1 billion roll-out of iPad tablets to all of the district’s students was postponed a week.

The superintendent has been a strong proponent of the program to use long-term construction bonds to provide the district’s students with electronic tablets.

A line of people trying to attend the school board meeting wound half a block in front of the school district’s administration building.

Supporters, wearing daisies behind an ear or on a lapel, as well as detractors, spoke during a public hearing held before the board went into a closed session that lasted until 6:12 p.m.

A chant rose up from audience at one point saying, “Don’t be crazy, keep John Deasy.”

Tom Adams, an LAUSD teacher since 1981, defended Deasy in public comments: “What I have appreciated about the superintendent is the dialogue he has been having with teachers in classroom. I fully feel his focus, is my focus, and it’s on the students. At this critical time we need courage and consistency, not resignation and retreat.”

Teacher’s union officials say Deasy has little support among the teachers.

Warren Fletcher, president of the United Teachers Los Angeles, said in an interview that 91% of the district’s teachers gave Deasy a vote of no confidence in March.

Deasy and School Board President Richard Vladovic, known to have an acrimonious relationship, pledged to work together following Holmquist’s announcement.

“I thank the board very much for a good and robust evaluation,” Deasy said. “I particularly thank you for a really excellent and honest conversation on building the rapport to work together so that we can continue to lift youth out of poverty.”

Vladovic said “this has been a journey for all of us, and we are focused on the children. We are moving forward and the board took action tonight.”

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, click here.
California
MORE FROM BOND BUYER