LOS ANGELES (July 2, 2019) - School Board Member Dr. Richard Vladovic was selected today as president of the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education, the third time the South Bay native has served in this leadership post.
A retired educator, he represents Board District 7, which stretches from South Los Angeles to San Pedro and encompasses Lomita, Gardena and Carson. He has served on the board since 2007.
“I want to thank my colleagues on the board for their faith and trust in my ability to serve as the president of the largest district with a single board,” Board President Dr. Vladovic said. “It is my sincerest wish to work hand-in-hand with Superintendent Austin Beutner and the rest of the board of education as equal partners to expand on our programs that are getting the job done, strengthen those that are not, and above all – strive every single day to make our district second to none in our core mission, and to provide the best quality education to all of our students without regard or prejudice to their origins, status, or abilities. All our kids deserve a fair shot at a bright future, and I will work tirelessly to help this institution get the job done.”
Board Member Jackie Goldberg accepted Board President Dr. Vladovic’s appointment as vice president. “I am very pleased that Dr. Vladovic will be president of the school board for his last year of service to Los Angeles Unified,” Board Vice President Goldberg said. “For many decades, he has served our students, families and communities. Dr. Vladovic has devoted his life to this district, and all who are involved with the education of all children and youth in Los Angeles Unified.” She added, “I am honored to be appointed vice president and to be elected to chair of the Committee of the Whole. We will focus on how to make the construction of the district's budget more useful to the board for policy considerations, and to make it more transparent to the public. My decades in education and public service have made me aware that we can do MORE to leave no stone unturned in funding schools for ALL our children.”
“Congratulations to Dr. Vladovic,” Superintendent Austin Beutner said. “I look forward to continuing to work with him, and all of the board members to make sure every student gets a great education.”
"Dr. Vladovic is an experienced leader whose primary commitment is propelling the academic achievement of our students,” Board Member Dr. George J. McKenna III said. “I look forward to his commitment to collaboration among all of the board members."
“Congratulations, Dr. Vladovic,” Board Member Mónica García said. “Our community urges you to be courageous and bold as you serve as our board president. Thank you for continuing to be a learner and being willing to serve all the students, families and employees of Los Angeles with respect.”
“Being elected our board president is a fitting and well deserved tribute to Dr. Vladovic’s decades of serving – as an educator, administrator and board member – the kids of Los Angeles,” Board Member Scott M. Schmerelson said. “I look forward to a very productive year governing under his leadership and working hard on our newly restored board committees.”
"I appreciate the spirit in which Dr. Vladovic returned to the board presidency and I look forward to working together to improve academic outcomes for kids, engage our communities, and increase district transparency,” Board Member Nick Melvoin said.
“I look forward to working with our new board president, Dr. Richard Vladovic,”
Board Member Kelly Gonez said. “He has been a strong leader on the board for many years, and I am confident that we will work together in partnership on behalf of all Los Angeles Unified students.”
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