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Mayor Eric Garcetti used the first day of classes at LA Unified School District to announce the expansion of LA’s Best After School Program to five additional sites.

“Of course this is good news for the five new schools who are adding an award-winning after school program,” Garcetti said in a press release. “But we also are happy that this expansion encompasses an area stretching from the Valley to the South side of the city, benefiting hundreds of children in Los Angeles and their families and adding a source of inspiration and information to their communities.”

Compared with his predecessor, Garcetti has so far taken a decidedly apolitical approach to education, pledging to strengthen community services connected to school sites. The expansion of LA’s Best is in keeping with that agenda.

The non-profit now serves over 28,000 children, ages 5 to 12, and will operate out of 194 schools, once the five new ones open in the next few weeks.

The new mayor has yet to appoint a top education deputy. Rumor has it that he plans to hire former Santa Ana Unified Superintendent Thelma Melendez de Santa Ana, but that has not been confirmed yet.

Previous posts: The Buzz: Thelma Melendez Likely to Run Garcetti’s Education Team; Garcetti Makes First Education Appointment (updated); Update: Garcetti Might Change City Hall Education Job; Garcetti’s Education Staffing Plans Unclear; Joan Sullivan to Head LA Partnership Schools