Your donation will help us produce journalism like this. Please give today.
* UPDATED
The LA Unified school board’s selection of Michelle King as the district’s new superintendent has elicited widespread praise from city and community leaders.
If there are any leaders angered or disappointed in the choice, they are so far keeping to themselves.
As a longtime employee of the district, King was most often cited for her experience. Here is a sampling of reactions:
UTLA: “Michelle King is a longtime district educator who has worked with LAUSD and its students for almost 30 years, giving her a knowledge that ensures she can hit the ground running as the new Superintendent. We look forward to working with Superintendent King, who brings a track record of collaborative efforts, to build a strong educator, parent, community, and youth coalition to strengthen and build the schools that LA students deserve.”
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti: “Over the course of more than 30 years, [Michelle King] has led reform efforts to increase graduation rates, strengthen academic rigor, and promote restorative justice. Her historic selection will bring the first woman of color to this key leadership role, inspiring thousands of girls throughout our City. I am eager to partner with her in this new role as we work to improve outcomes for all students in Los Angeles.”
David Rattray, president of UNITE-LA, which convenes the L.A. Compact: “The board conducted a thoughtful and exhaustive nationwide search, and we are confident that the selection of Michelle King represents their best judgment. She possesses the experience, talent and dedication needed to lead this district. We look forward to collaborating with King as we strive to ensure all students graduate from high school college-and-career-ready.”
Alex Johnson, executive director of the Children’s Defense Fund-California: “We are confident that Ms. King is committed to educational equity for our most vulnerable communities, restorative justice and holistic approaches to school climate, increased mental health services for those who experience trauma due to chronic exposure to violence, and health and wellness to ensure all students excel and thrive.”
Great Public Schools Now: “[Michelle King] has spent her illustrious career working on behalf of students, and she has the experience to handle the many complexities of this position. We know that she shares our goal of improving educational outcomes for students, particularly those in areas of high need. We look forward to working with her as we continue to develop our plans to ensure all students have access to a high-quality public school in their neighborhood.”
SEIU Local 99 Executive DirectorMax Arias: “With her long-term experience in the District and dedication to L.A. Unified students, Ms. Kings leadership and unwavering commitment to the children and communities of Los Angeles will serve as a great asset to our City. We look forward to continuing to work with Ms. King to ensure good jobs in our communities and quality education for all students.”
Educators 4 Excellence-Los Angeles Managing Director of Policy Jennifer Denny: “Michelle King is a smart choice and natural candidate to serve as the next superintendent of Los Angeles Unified. King has incredibly valuable experience as an administrator and teacher who knows how important it is to engage educators and keep education debates focused on what is best for students.”
California Charter Schools Association: “We are optimistic that Superintendent King will continue to support the outstanding work underway at local charter schools, and we are excited to build a strong relationship with her on behalf of the Los Angeles charter school community. We look forward to working with Superintendent King and the Board of Education to ensure charter schools continue to enrich the education landscape in Los Angeles and, most importantly, continue to provide students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, with the academic opportunities they need to excel.”
*UPDATED to include comment from CCSA