LAUSD, Teachers Have Tentative Contract Deal

Los Angeles - The Los Angeles Unified School District announced a tentative labor agreement with the union representing the district's teachers today -- a pact aimed at giving more authority to teachers, principals and parents to determine policies and set the direction of individual schools.

"Teachers and parents are uniquely qualified to have a relationship with their school," LAUSD Superintendent John Deasy said. "Promising beginnings are a good thing."

The agreement still needs to be ratified by the members of United Teachers Los Angeles. UTLA's labor contract with the district expired July 1, but teachers have continued working under the terms of the previous agreement.

Under the tentative agreement, individual schools would have the right to reject principals and teachers sent to them on a "must-place" basis by the district and the right to waive aspects of the collective bargaining agreement and some district policies.

"The agreement we are bringing forward is about stabilization," said United Teachers Los Angeles President Warren Fletcher. "It's about creating space for schools, faculties, families and students to be able to have a safe zone to improve themselves with supports."

UTLA teachers are expected to vote on the agreement Dec. 12.

"This tentative agreement with UTLA has the potential to transform this district by embracing local leadership autonomies and accountabilities in every school," LAUSD board President Monica Garcia said. "We know that change is possible where teachers, parents and communities have been empowered to determine their school's educational programs and policies, as seen at the Los Angeles High School for the Arts at RFK, Academic Leadership Community at Contreras and UCLA Community School."