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School District Holds Its High Tech Pep Rally
In Opening of Schools Address, Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho accelerates the LAUSD’s move away from collaboration with stakeholders.
“This speech is going to be long”
– Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho
If there was any doubt why some refer to LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho as “Mr. Hollywood,” the 2023–24 Opening of Schools Address put it to rest. Following several student performances highlighting the breadth of talent in the District, a booming Awards-show Voice brought Carvalho to the stage using phrases like “Outstanding Educator.” It was clear that modesty was not in his toolbox.
Like last year’s presentation at the Microsoft Theater, the address was a highly polished affair. While, thankfully, the smoke machine was left behind, loud music that was meant to be inspiring and slickly produced videos punctuated Carvalho’s Tony Robbins-inspired performance. He paced the stage wearing his hidden wireless mike, dropping celebrity names like Dr. Dre, Snoop Dog, and Taylor Swift along with random pop-culture references. While it looked like the speech was being delivered from memory, the…
