The seven members of the L.A. Unified’s board oversee the nation’s second largest school district, with more than 538,000 students enrolled. The district is also the county’s second largest employer with more than 74,000 educators, administrators, and support staff on its payroll.
Four seats are up for election this year, including District 5.
Unlike in New York City, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., where the mayor appoints education system leaders, Los Angeles schools are run by the school board, which voters elect directly. That means the board members have a lot of power.
What do LAUSD board members do?
- Hire and fire the superintendent — their single most important responsibility.
- Pass the $9 billion operating budget and decide how it will be distributed.
- Work with parents and resolve disputes in their district over facilities, budgets, etc.
- Vote on every charter school that hopes to open in L.A.
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Among the major issues facing the board
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