This story was originally published by EdSource.
When Alberto Carvalho became superintendent of Los Angeles Unified last Feb. 14, he promised to close widening academic achievement gaps among students, build community relationships and address enrollment woes.
Now a year in, the leader of the nation’s second-largest public school district has launched a wide range of initiatives that his supporters say show a welcomed focus on student needs in the wake of the pandemic’s learning losses. It is too early to prove success — and some, like the two extra days of optional learning during the recent winter break, were disappointing. But others show promise such as steps the district has taken steps to prevent fentanyl overdoses and reduce absenteeism.
Meanwhile, some parents and local organizations say they wish the superintendent would engage them more as the district moves forward with these new efforts.
Carvalho came to LAUSD a year ago after nearly 14 years as superintendent at Miami-Dade County Public Schools, where he was largely credited with improving student achievement. With unanimous support from the school board, he secured a four-year contract with the Los Angeles district for $440,000 a year. He now oversees a sprawling district of just over 422,000 students that spans more than 780 schools across Los Angeles County.
At a recent news conference, Carvalho said he sees his role as pushing for improvement and acknowledged the challenges ahead. “One of the things I love about Los Angeles is even when you do right, there is pressure to do better,” Carvalho said. “What improves a school system is pressure: positive pressure, demanding pressure.”
He came to Los Angeles at a difficult moment, following former Superintendent Austin Beutner and…
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