A LETTER TO BOARD PRESIDENT GARCIA FROM A CONCERNED PARENT AT HIGH SCHOOL #9 - “I see this as a simple issue: our community should have a say …not the school board”

by email to 4LAKids  from an concerned parent

Thu, Jun 9, 2011 9:22 pm

Hello Ms.Garcia,

I am a parent with a child that attends number 9.

I understand that in the near future you and the board will be voting on naming no.9 - Ramon Cortines H.S.. I strongly feel the community at no.9 should vote on this issue because this our school.

I also ask that you begin to handle school issues with some transparency; all these back door decisions help to undermine all the wonderful work being done by the students and teachers. This school deserves a lot of credit for performing a such a high level, despite all the distractions. While this school is still in it's infancy ; it has developed a very strong community and culture.

Ms.Garcia your decisions/actions are proving Mr.Broad to be correct - that this district is incapable of running a top-notch art school and it would  best be ran as a charter. Initially I disagreed with Mr.Broad, but your decision to replace Ms.Blake and now the decision to re-name the school with no input from the no.9 community is troubling to say the least.

Ms.Garcia,  you are paid and work for parents like myself ; not only do my children attend LAUSD schools, but I am a homeowner and I pay property taxes - I deserve to have my voice and opinions respected by you. I trust you will reconsider putting the re-naming on the agenda for vote next week , but rather meet with our community at no.9 and allow us to decide the naming of OUR SCHOOL.

Thanks in advance for your consideration in this matter,

Concerned Parent