Shannon Haber, Los Angeles Unified, 213-241-6766
Roshin Mathew, California Community Foundation, 213-413-4130 x 229
Fund for Equity and Excellence Launches to Support Public Education in Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES, July 5, 2018—Los Angeles Unified Superintendent Austin Beutner and a group of Los Angeles community partners and foundations today announced the launch of the Fund for Equity and Excellence, which will pool philanthropic resources to further the work of Los Angeles Unified and support students, teachers and families.
The Fund’s partners believe in public education and its potential to help all students thrive. Los Angeles Unified will use the Fund’s resources to improve student attendance, close the opportunity gap for underserved students, increase high-quality learning opportunities for all students and better engage community, families, students and teachers.
The initial funding of just over $3 million will be increased over time through the addition of other partners, as well as increased commitments by the initial partners. This funding will support a wide range of efforts including but not limited to:
- Vision: Reviewing how Los Angeles Unified operates to ensure that its schools are excellent, equitable and healthy places to teach and learn.
- Community Engagement: Increasing dialogue between Los Angeles Unified and the students and families it serves, so information is shared, trusted and helps move the District forward in a positive, inclusive direction.
- People: Hiring talent to complement Los Angeles Unified’s capable team and current resources.
“I am grateful for the support of the philanthropic community for public education in Los Angeles,” said Superintendent Austin Beutner. “This is a tremendous step for Los Angeles and Los Angeles Unified. All of us are working together for the same common objective—to make sure every child receives a great education.”
“The success of public education relies on robust community and civic engagement. We wholeheartedly support and appreciate this Fund, which is a great step forward to serve kids and families,” said Alberto Retana, CEO & President of Community Coalition.
“We believe the District is now presented with a compelling opportunity to gather the voices and energies of students, families, teachers, communities, and grassroots, civic, and political leaders to rally around a shared vision of a leading edge-Los Angeles Unified, one that has the values of inclusion, equity, achievement and opportunity at its core” said Antonia Hernandez, President and Chief Executive Officer for the California Community Foundation.
“Thank you to our village of partners who believe in the power of public education and the importance of serving all students well,” said Board President Mónica García. “This investment accelerates the change we want to bring our schools and communities together.”
The initial funding partners of this effort include the Ballmer Group, California Community Foundation, California Endowment, the Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation and the Weingart Foundation.
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