UTLA Holds Bus Tour To Provide Vision Of Better Schools
One of John John Huddleston’s favorite classes at North Hollywood High School is ceramics. But there’s one big problem. The class is packed with students.
"There's no space. These classes are too small. It's a very old school," says Huddleston.
Huddleston spoke at a rally organized by United Teachers Los Angeles to discuss classroom overcrowding and other issues.
Retired LAUSD teacher Ronni Solman says budget cuts are harming students.
"We used to have nurses everyday in the schools, libraries all open, full days. And now we have to fight for that. And this is just a terrible shame," says Solman.
"My child deserves more ability to ask questions in the classroom without having to fight the school bell. My son sits down to a standardized test. They better cover every subject on that test, not make it a surprise," says Joan Huddleston, John John’s mother.
The group organized a bus tour packed with teachers, parents, and students.
They drove to several schools within LAUSD to advocate for increased staff.
"Parents, community, students, teachers, educators. We're coming together and saying these are priorities," said UTLA treasurer Arlene Inouye.
United Teachers Los Angeles organized this rally in the midst of contract negotiations with the district. The union's demands include an 8.5% pay raise, as well as more nurses and counselors at schools.
The LA Unified School District could not bereached for comment. But in the past, the superintendent has said the district cannot afford to meet the union’s demands.
Organizers say the bus tour will continue to roll on until conditions have improved for students.
