JACKIE GOLDBERG ENDORSES MONICA RATLIFF: “We all need to help her win this very important race for the school board!”

 

a letter to AALA members from the AALA Update of Week of May 20, 2013 | http://bit.ly/12FLezB

by  Jackie Goldberg, former member of the LAUSD Board of Education, LA City Council  and past Education Chair of the State Assembly.

I endorsed teacher Monica Ratliff for LAUSD School Board, Seat #6 because my "Kitchen Cabinet" (teachers, administrators, friends and personal advisers) and I were absolutely impressed by her commitment to public education, her goal of putting the kids and the classroom first and her depth of understanding of the academic needs of students who struggle in school.

We all need to help her win this very important race for the school board by walking precincts for her this weekend and sending money to her campaign. Her opponent is financed by billionaires, some from as far away as New York. Monica knows that it is a dedicated group of teachers who can provide the nurturing, challenging and exciting schools that students deserve. She knows there are no magic bullets of technology, evaluation forms, standardized tests or similar panaceas that will change our schools. What is needed is increased funding and a social and political commitment to make sure the federal, state and local resources are spent helping all children reach academic success. Electing her will focus the District's efforts in a better direction.

I believe Monica Ratliff is a refreshing candidate whom we should all support and so does the L.A. Times. So please join me and make a donation online at www.monicaratliff2013.com this weekend for $99, $250 or $500 dollars or write a check and get all of your friends to do the same. Personally, we are writing a check for Monica Ratliff every other week until the election on May 21. Absentee ballots are being voted upon right now. We need to walk and call everyone we know in the San Fernando Valley communities of Sylmar, San Fernando, Sun Valley, Sunland, Tujunga, Pacoima, Panorama City, Van Nuys, Reseda and Arleta.

Her election could change the direction of the Board of Education from one which looks for people to blame, employees to fire, and schools to close, often over the vehement objections of staff, parents, and students. We need Monica Ratliff to bring her own personal experience to leading the Board towards putting the children first and not politics or the future job prospects of key decision-makers. Please join me and other progressive voices and help elect Monica Ratliff to the LAUSD Board of Education.

As my organizing mentor used to say, "Do something!"