At the core of UTLA’s platform is a very basic concept: If public education is to survive and thrive in Los Angeles, it is time for us to call the question on why our schools are being starved.
It is simply not acceptable that California, as the fifth largest economy in the world, stands at 46th among the states in per-pupil funding. It is simply not acceptable that the second largest school district in the country, a crucial civic institution, has the highest class sizes in the country.
California is the richest state in the nation and the LA area has more millionaires and billionaires than any other in the country.
There is an undeniable truth — the money is here to fund our schools. The billionaires and rich corporations are keeping that money from us. And politicians are helping them do this. It is time to call the question on that cynical arrangement.
UTLA believes every child has a right to attend a high-quality Sustainable Community School in their neighborhood. With what is happening in the Trump/DeVos administration, it is more important than ever to prioritize the voices of our students, parents and community members here in Los Angeles, and fight back privatizers who seek to take over our school board, as well as local and state elections.