A Bright Spot for Education

by Webmaster

A Bright Spot for Education

Regardless of the outcomes of today's special election, L.A. public schools face severe budget cuts to compensate for the state's fiscal crisis. These cuts will have an immediate impact on teachers and students, but much-needed school renovations will continue, thanks to voters who approved more than $20 billion in bond measures to rebuild and repair our schools. At a time when every investment dollar matters, these renovations are already delivering safer schools with 21^st century technology for our students to learn and succeed.

Belmont High School in downtown Los Angeles is just one example of the progress that is being made to modernize aging school facilities across the district. Two years ago, I volunteered at Belmont for a Cash for College workshop hosted by the L.A. Area Chamber. During my visit I saw a school that was bursting at the seams, originally designed for up to 1,800 students but accommodating 5,500. The overcrowded hallways and portable classrooms must have been clear signals to students that they were not very important to the adults in our community.

When I recently returned to Belmont, I saw dramatic changes. The outside of the school is still more than 80 years old, but the inside sparkles like a modern building. The hallways and lockers are brand new. The classrooms have all been renovated. The library is welcoming and loaded with computers.  The skilled architects, engineers and construction professionals contracted by the Los Angeles Unified School District delivered a truly welcoming environment for our students to learn. But most importantly, because of the opening of two new nearby high schools, Belmont now boasts 1,500 students, smaller classes and a traditional school schedule — all key reforms advocated by the Chamber.

Along with improvements to its infrastructure, other important programs are now being offered at Belmont, thanks to the support of the business community. The Juvenile Intervention and Prevention Program (JIPP), which takes place every Saturday under the direction of the Los Angeles Police Department Rampart Division, teaches young adults about attitude, public speaking, discipline and respect. One of eight high school retention programs sponsored by the AT&T Foundation, JIPP exemplifies the impact business involvement can have on our schools.

As the fiscal future of California and its effect on L.A. public schools remain uncertain, I am encouraged by the physical transformation and involvement of the business community in our schools. During these difficult economic times, these investments are bright spots for education, helping to improve student morale and achievement. At least one indicator — the projected graduation rate for 2009 is expected to improve.  Despite declining enrollment, LAUSD this year has its largest-ever senior class.

I thank the voters for saying yes to school construction bond measures, LAUSD staff for their strategic and efficient construction program, and local businesses that are helping give more students the opportunity to succeed. In business terms, these are good investments.

And that's The Business Perspective.