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California Charter Schools Association Thanks Outgoing LAUSD Superintendent Austin Beutner for His Service to the Students of Los Angeles

April 22, 2021

LOS ANGELES, CA— Today, California Charter Schools Association President and CEO Myrna Castrejón issued the following statement following the announcement by Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Austin Beutner that he will step down when his contract expires on June 30:

“We thank Superintendent Austin Beutner for his dedication to the 700,000 public school students of Los Angeles in a tumultuous environment. Superintendent Beutner has led through an unprecedented period in our education system which has been fundamentally challenged and transformed  by COVID-19.

“Beyond leading the District through a global pandemic, Superintendent Beutner supported transitioning to a community-based schools model that recognizes that all students, including those attending charter public schools, deserve access to high-quality education. Superintendent Beutner recognized that school-site decision making, leadership, flexibility, and autonomy—key tenets of the charter model— have the potential to truly change outcomes for all students. The District’s transition from a top-down approach to the community-based model under his leadership has been a meaningful step towards better outcomes for kids in LA by bringing decision making and community engagement closest to the communities schools serve.

“That kids-first approach must continue as we work together as a community to bring all students back safely and successfully to campuses across the region next fall and into the future.”