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Board of Education calls for study of gender equity in Los Angeles Unified employment practices
LOS ANGELES – In a unanimous vote, the Los Angeles Unified Board of Education called for a thorough examination of gender equity in Los Angeles Unified’s hiring and compensation practices.
Sponsored by Board Members Mónica García, Nick Melvoin and Kelly Gonez, the “She Leads! Affirming Los Angeles Unified School District’s Commitment to Gender Equity” resolution directs the superintendent to conduct a study of the district’s strengths and room for improvement concerning employment, compensation and representation in leadership positions among females and/or those who identify as gender ‘non-binary.’
“Gender equity is essential in Los Angeles and Los Angeles Unified,” Board Member Mónica García said. “We must ensure equal access to resources and opportunities for all genders. We need fearless leaders everywhere, and we will make sure that women are represented across all departments and levels.”
“Our students and employees deserve to be part of a system that works to counteract the insidious and sometimes invisible effects of gender bias,” Board Member Nick Melvoin said. “And today we have affirmed our district’s commitment to self-reflection and continuous improvement toward gender equity. I’m thrilled to be an ally and grateful to be part of a public institution that prioritizes gender equity and parity within our workforce.”
“Our students are incredibly perceptive and recognize that representation matters,” Board Member Kelly Gonez said. “We are always striving to be a better, more inclusive organization, and this resolution is part of that effort. I hope that when our students look at this District and its leadership – from our campus leaders to our administration to our Board – they will see themselves reflected.”
“It is our responsibility to be leaders and advocates for our students,” Board President Dr. Richard Vladovic said. “To be more inclusive and to be more aware of ways to continuously improve gender equity. Every one of our students deserves equal opportunities, and I am proud to fight for all of them, always.”
“Gender equity is a key part of everything we do in public education,” Board Vice President Jackie Goldberg said. “Whether you identify as male, female or anything in between, that must be represented, appreciated and respected in the work we do at every school, every day.”
“It is the brave women who paved the way for gender equity that made it possible for me to be the second female student to sit on the Los Angeles Unified School Board,” Student Board Member Frances Suavillo said. “I am honored to be a part of such an influential movement for female empowerment.”
“One of the many things my years in public service have taught me is the importance of having employees in our schools who look like our students,” Board Member Dr. George J. McKenna said. “It is especially important for our young women to see strong, intelligent and capable women in positions of leadership to whom they can look up as sources of guidance and inspiration.”
“Our employees are not just workers; they are role models,” Board Member Scott M. Schmerelson said. “We know that the most effective role models are those our students can relate to. I am proud to support a resolution that ensures we are doing all we can to create school environments that resemble the communities they serve.”
The superintendent is expected to deliver a report with breakdowns of current data, indicating any gender equity gaps and strategies to remedy those gaps by March 1, 2020.
“Los Angeles Unified is committed to providing equal opportunities so that all employees can succeed,” Superintendent Austin Beutner said. “And we look forward to continuing to build a workforce that reflects the rich diversity of the communities we serve.”
“I’m proud of Los Angeles Unified board members for continuing to be leaders in social justice issues,” Associate Superintendent Hilda Maldonado said. “Gender equity in employment and salary for both female leaders and non-binary leaders is an issue that impacts our over 200,000 female students who attend our schools daily. Gender equity secures equal access to quality education and health, economic resources and participation in political life for both women and girls. By changing the lives of women and girls we are impacting future generations for years to come.”
“Today’s resolution creates an opportunity for Los Angeles Unified to continue to sharpen its focus on gender equity and move to action in order to improve the lives of all students and faculty,” Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti’s Chief Innovation Officer Amanda Daflos said. “We are excited to support the district and share best practices from Mayor Garcetti’s pacesetting work on this same, critical issue.”
“The ‘She Leads!’ resolution closes the opportunity gap for females of color and levels the field for hard working leaders of Los Angeles Unified who have fought battles on behalf of students and set themselves aside to learn and be recognized for their skills and abilities,” Local District East Administrator of Instruction Frances Baez said.
“I am proud to be the first woman to lead the Transportation Services Division for the second largest school district in the nation,” Interim Director of Transportation Lilia Montoya said. “A product of Los Angeles Unified, I still remember the female school bus driver who ensured I arrived safely at school every day and the impact she had on my growth. Without her as inspiration, I cannot imagine that today I would be leading over 2,000 professionals in the safe transportation of our most precious cargo: our children.”