LAUSD reform is a bitter battle
By Connie Llanos/Los Angeles Daily News
Los Angeles Unified parents, teachers and community members will get to vote on their favorite school proposals this week as the district inches closer to launching a landmark reform plan handing over control of some schools to the best bidders. But what was supposed to be a healthy competition has turned into a heated battle between district employee unions, charter school operators and other nonprofits that are vying for control of 36 district schools. Applicants accuse each other of foul play and the only thing all can agree on is that the voting process leaves too much room for voter violations. LAUSD Superintendent Ramon Cortines has had to play referee, reminding district employees that they must act with "integrity." (more...)