LAUSD welcomes a new school board member, Scott Schmerelson. Schmerelson has contributed to student learning for 35 years. The Pearl Post wanted to get a closer look with Schmerelson, to see what happened in his daily life:

Q: What does your job entail as a school board member?

A: “As a School Board Member of LAUSD, I create policy for the School District and vote on how to allocate and prioritize money through the annual budget process. I work with the community of Board District 3 to address problems and issues that come up at our schools. I also regularly visit my BD3 schools to experience the wonderful education happening on a daily basis.”

Q: What are your goals for this school year? How and why did you select them?

A: “My first and foremost goal is to select the best Superintendent of Schools for LAUSD. Another important goal that I have as a newly elected School Board Member is to work through the $8 billion LAUSD budget and make sure resources are getting to and benefitting students in the classroom. Finally, I want to emphasize that schools are at the center of their respective communities and we need to work together to turn every school into the jewel of their neighborhood.”

Q: What courses of action would you like to take to achieve your goals?

A: “I will work with my fellow board members to write policy and direct resources to accomplish my goals. I have and will continue to solicit input from students, teachers, parents, and community members because we all want our schools to produce thoughtful, knowledgeable and capable young people. Even though there are many different potential solutions, building strong relationships on common goals is a powerful start towards meaningful action.”  

Q: What is your own experience with education and how has it affected your work and goals?

A: “I have been involved with schools and education my whole life including as a teacher, counselor, and principal at many schools across Los Angeles.”

Q: Are there any specific changes you’d like to make in the school system? If so, what are they and why do you want to make them?

A: “I am working to have all dollars received by LAUSD to be analyzed and targeted to go directly to the school site. The school site should be allotted all the funding necessary to provide a world class education for our students.”