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Statement by CCSA President and CEO Myrna Castrejón and Los Angeles Charter Public School Leaders Regarding the Selection of Mr. Alberto Carvalho as LAUSD’s Next Superintendent

December 10, 2021

LOS ANGELES, CA  Today, California Charter Schools Association President and CEO Myrna Castrejón issued the following statement regarding the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Board of Education (Board) selection of Mr. Alberto Carvalho as the new superintendent: 

“Education in LAUSD and across the nation is at a turning point. The incoming superintendent faces a myriad of challenges stemming from the pandemic, which include learning loss and negative impacts to the social-emotional wellbeing of students. These impacts are particularly acute for kids who need additional supports, such as English learners, low-income students, students with disabilities, and homeless and foster youth. 

“We congratulate Mr. Carvalho for the unanimous support from LAUSD’s Board to be the next superintendent. Mr. Carvalho comes to LAUSD at a time when we need someone who personally understands the immigrant community and the challenges of being an English learner, as well as the frontline challenges of teaching and leading urban schools. His track record as an effective kids-first, all-kids leader shows in his determination to reimagine education as Superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools. He understands that the path forward demands innovation and equity-centered programs in diverse delivery systems and is credited with dramatically improving student achievement across the district by developing school models such as iPrep Academy, a nationally recognized magnet school, and offering parents an array of public education choices.

“There are 225 independent charter public schools authorized by LAUSD that serve more than 114,000 students, most in underserved communities. There is no room for error in getting our current generation of students the educational supports and opportunities they need. We cannot be in denial that learning loss is real and that our kids are hurting. 

“The California Charter Schools Association and the charter public schools we represent look forward to working with Mr. Carvalho to make LA’s public schools a system of partnership and academic excellence that the nation can follow.”

Statements from Los Angeles charter public school leaders:

“We are at a pivotal time in public education, and LA’s public school system needs to respond accordingly. We look forward to working alongside Mr. Carvalho to ensure LAUSD moves forward to ensure our most vulnerable students receive a high-quality education at-scale,” said Cristina de Jesus, President and CEO of Green Dot Public Schools, which has 19 charter public schools in LAUSD, and chair of the CCSA Board of Directors. “Charter public schools in LA Unified are an essential part of the local public school system, and we hope to build stronger bridges and coalitions with the new superintendent.”

“We welcome Mr. Carvalho to the Los Angeles public school community and look forward to partnering with him to tackle the unparalleled challenges our students, families, and educators are experiencing as we continue to live through this pandemic,” said Alfredo Rubalcava, Chief Executive Officer and Superintendent for Magnolia Public Schools, which has eight charter public schools within LAUSD, and co-chair of the Los Angeles Advocacy Council. “We must move quickly and purposefully to address the needs of all students and in so doing, reimagine education in the City of Los Angeles.”