Jan 11, 2016 - âMs. King has experience as a teacher, administrator and top ... attended Century Park and Windsor Hill
Los Angeles Unified School District OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS 333 S. Beaudry Ave., 24th floor Los Angeles, CA 90017 Phone: (213) 241-6766 FAX: (213) 241-8952 www.lausd.net 1200 N. Cornwell St. Los Angeles, CA 90033 (323) 342-0428
News Release
For Immediate Release Contact: Shannon Haber (213) 393-1289 (cell)
January 11, 2016 #15/16-112
Michelle King Selected as Superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District LOS ANGELES – The Board of Education voted unanimously today to select L.A. Unified veteran Michelle King as superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District. The 54-year-old educator becomes the first woman in more than 80 years – and the first African-American woman – to lead the nation’s second-largest school district. Her selection caps a nationwide search that began in October. “Ms. King has experience as a teacher, administrator and top district leader, and is known for her collaboration with parents, teachers and the community,” School Board President Steve Zimmer said. “She has committed her life to the achievement of our students.” A Los Angeles native and product of L.A. Unified, Ms. King attended Century Park and Windsor Hills Elementary schools and Palms Junior High before graduating from Palisades High School. While majoring in biology at UCLA, she decided on a teaching career. “I love the energy of students in the classroom – their passion for learning and their desire to achieve,” Ms. King said. “I want to ensure that the enthusiasm for teaching and learning that I experienced in LAUSD – and that my three daughters experienced when they were in school – is the reality for all of our students.” Ms. King’s promotion from chief deputy superintendent to the District’s top leadership position will be formalized by the Board at its meeting on Tuesday, when her contract will also be finalized. Ms. King began her 31-year career as a science and math teacher at Porter Middle School in Granada Hills. She became the coordinator for the math, science and aerospace magnet at Wright Middle School in Westchester, and subsequently served as assistant principal and principal at Hamilton High School in Cheviot Hills.
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She headed the Division of Student Health and Human Services, served as interim chief instructional officer for Secondary Education, and was superintendent of a western and southwestern region of L.A. Unified before being tapped by then-Superintendent Ramon C. Cortines as his chief of staff. She served as deputy superintendent under former Superintendent John Deasy and was then named chief deputy by Superintendent Cortines when he returned in October 2014. During her career, King led instructional reform plans that address graduation requirements and the need to significantly improve student achievement. She also championed the District’s restorative justice initiative, which drastically reduced student suspensions and expulsions. She was recently honored as the 2015 Woman of the Year by the nonprofit organization Women on Target, an advocacy group supporting leaders in Southern California’s African-American community. “Michelle King is what LAUSD and our communities need to highlight what is working well in our District and to analyze programs and strategies that need to be re-evaluated,” said Dr. Ref Rodriguez, who represents District 5. “Her charisma and passion have allowed her to build strong relationships with individuals inside and outside of the system, so that we can continue to stabilize our District and reimagine how to best serve our teachers, administrators, students and families. Ms. King and this Board will move LAUSD to the next chapter of student success and excellence.” “It is gratifying to me that the Board, in selecting Michelle King, is validating the experience and leadership of an educator who knows this District and has devoted her career to the mission of the LAUSD family,” said Board Member Scott Schmerelson, who represents District 3. “It will be an honor to work closely with Ms. King as we move forward in support of all our students and employees.” District 2 board member Mónica García lauded King for her commitment to keeping kids in school. “I have confidence that Superintendent Michelle King will inspire a team of leaders to move us toward 100 percent graduation,” Ms. García said. “This is a historical moment for L.A. Unified,” said board member Mónica Ratliff, who represents District 6. “Superintendent King is a graduate of L.A. Unified. She has been an L.A. Unified teacher, principal and administrator, who has devoted 31 years to L.A. Unified’s students, staff, parents, and community. It is an honor to be able to share in the announcement that this smart, thorough, transparent, organized, firm, diligent, and compassionate woman is our new Superintendent. I look forward to continuing to support her as she leads this District to even greater success.” “The caliber of the candidates was outstanding, and I am proud that we were able to select one of our own to lead L.A. Unified,” said Dr. Richard Vladovic, a retired teacher and administrator who represents District 7 on the school board. “With her experience, she knows what our families need and deserve.” ###
