2022 LAUSD Elections

Representation For The Highest Bidder

An LAUSD Board Member offers her constituents her views on the state of the school district — if they are willing to pay for the privilege.

“We now have a political situation where billionaires are literally able to buy elections and candidates. Let’s not kid ourselves.”

- Sen. Bernie Sanders

Constituents interacting with their elected representatives is essential to the democratic process. Therefore, an event where an LAUSD School Board Member appears before the public to discuss the state of her local district should be applauded. Unfortunately, Tanya Ortiz Franklin did so behind a paywall. Unless you were willing to pay $35, you were not invited.

In a district where 80% of the students qualify for free or reduced-price lunches, a $35 fee is a significant hurdle to be able to hear how our children’s public schools are doing. While business interests in the Chamber of Commerce get to interact with and influence the board member, most of the parents whose children attend public schools are left out in the cold. Is it any wonder that so many LAUSD…