Los Angeles Unified Welcomes Students Back for 2023-24 School Year

August 15, 2023 10:06 am

Los Angeles, CA (Aug. 14, 2023) – Today, Los Angeles Unified welcomed students, teachers, principals and school communities back into the classroom for the 2023-24 school year. Having established the critical foundation with systems, structures and coherence, the District will continue implementing the 2022-26 Strategic Plan and accelerate students toward success.

“We are doubling down on our promise to make Los Angeles Unified the premier urban school district in the nation,” Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. “We are focused on our commitment to maximizing the full potential of every student in our community. This year we are focused on accelerating success by implementing transformation at a rapid pace.”

Los Angeles Unified implemented numerous programs and initiatives last school year to address barriers within the school community. Notable achievements include:

Over 100,000 students took part in Summer of Learning 2023 where they accessed enrichment opportunities and credit recovery.
Every 4-year-old across Los Angeles Unified will have access to a life-changing, academically formative and socially enriching experience in our Universal Transitional Kindergarten program beginning this semester – ahead of the state mandate by two full years.
We made targeted investments to expand programs including early education, dual language, special education, SENI and BSAP.
Los Angeles Unified became a leading organization in responding to the opioid crisis. We were one of the first districts in the nation to make Narcan available at all K-12 schools. We were also the first urban school district in the nation to empower students to be part of the solution by allowing them to carry Narcan in schools.
We expanded procedures, communications protocols and investments in technology to enhance safety and security in our school communities. The District’s LASAR app allows students, families and community members to anonymously report non-emergency incidents in and around the District. We also launched Every School Safe, which is a holistic approach to student safety.
Thirty-nine Los Angeles Unified schools were named National Merit Awards winners by the Magnet Schools of America – which shatters the District’s prior record of 16 schools.

But Los Angeles Unified is focused on the future and responding to the challenge at hand. Among many others, the District will launch the following initiatives this year

STEAM Lab Makerspaces
Black Family Reunions
Historically Black Colleges and Universities Tours
Expand the Cultural Arts Passport
Farm-to-School Nutrition
Café LA Food Trucks
Education Compacts with local municipalities
Continue implementing “Green Schools for All”
Expansion of CTE Pathways

“Welcome back, students,” Board President Jackie Goldberg said. “The start of a new school year always brings excitement and anticipation. As we dive into this year, let’s remember that every challenge, lesson and experience add to the wonderful tapestry of our students’ lives. Learning is a gift that continues to give, unveiling new facets about the world and ourselves.”

“It gives me great pleasure to welcome students, teachers, and parents back to school,” Board Vice President Scott M. Schmerelson said. “Every single student that enters through our schoolhouse doors this year, will leave next summer made stronger by their interactions with their fellow classmates, their teachers and the many staff members that are prepared to help them reach their potential. I want to acknowledge the tireless efforts and dedication the district staff has made over the summer, such as training and professional development, to ensure this school year is more successful and productive than before.”

“We are excited to welcome students back to school,” Board Member Dr. George J. McKenna III said. “Your teachers and friends look forward to seeing you back on campus. It is a time for new beginnings and new opportunities for discovery and learning. It is my favorite time of year because I love to meet new students. We love each and every member of our Los Angeles Unified family and are ready for another fantastic year.”

“As a Los Angeles Unified alumni and a proud LA Unified parent, I’m so honored to welcome our new and returning students and families to the 2023-24 academic year,” Board Member Dr. Rocío Rivas said. “My team and I will be on the ground, visiting our campuses, meeting students, parents, principals and staff to make sure our schools can easily access the resources they need to thrive.”

“We are thrilled to welcome students back to campus for an exciting new year of academic progress, socio-emotional learning and holistic support in our school communities,” Board Member Nick Melvoin said. “I want to thank all of our employees who have been working tirelessly to get everything ready for the start of school, and I’m looking forward to a year of promise and renewal in which every student can reach their full potential. As the fall semester gets underway, I will continue working to make progress on academic support, campus greening and school community parks, expanding access to early education, and ensuring our school communities have the resources they need to foster student success.”

“I’m so excited to welcome our students, families and staff back for another school year,” Board Member Kelly Gonez said. “We have so many wonderful initiatives all across Los Angeles, including our expansion to universal transitional kindergarten, that I know are going to make this year impactful and joyful for our families. I can’t wait to see all the progress our students make this year.”

“Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year,” Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin said. “I am so excited to welcome our scholars and staff back to school for a new year of learning, joy and connection. Every day we are inspired by how our Los Angeles Unified community prepares our students to be Ready for the World. This year we look forward to accelerating success even more in Los Angeles Unified to ensure each and every student is fully prepared for college, career, and life.”