Contact: Stephanie Salazar, Board District 7
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (626) 758-7748
Los Angeles Unified Board of Education Unanimously Approves Resolution to Close the Digital Divide and Improve Distance and Hybrid Learning
LOS ANGELES (March 9, 2021) — The Los Angeles Unified Board of Education unanimously passed a resolution to close the digital divide and improve distance and hybrid learning.
The resolution, authored by Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin and co-sponsored by Board President Kelly Gonez and Board Member Nick Melvoin, calls on the District to evaluate the household internet access and quality of service among District students, educators, and staff who support student learning; develop an action plan to address connectivity obstacles by allocating up to
$5 million of additional funding to cover needed tools and time for outreach and support to evaluate at home internet connectivity and address obstacles; and create a long-term plan for expanded advocacy and collaboration with local, state and federal agencies.
The resolution also directs the Superintendent to develop and report back to the Board with a long- term plan, informed by data gathered and lessons learned by the District, to ensure every student in the District has long-term, stable internet access.
“Since day one, ensuring our students in highest need areas have access to reliable internet connectivity has been a top priority,” Ortiz Franklin said. “I’m honored to have worked with Board President Gonez and Board Member Melvoin to fortify the District's leadership and commitment to ensuring every student has access to a quality internet connection to meaningfully participate in distance and hybrid learning and to prepare all students to thrive in a digital world.”
“Access to technology and the internet has never been more fundamental than during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Board President Kelly Gonez said. “We at L.A. Unified are committed to partnering and pushing to provide more reliable connectivity for our students in both the short term and through long- term federal, state, and local investments in this critical infrastructure.”
“Universal internet access is not a luxury—it’s a global necessity,” Board Member Nick Melvoin said. “We will continue to advocate for both short and long-term solutions to bridge the digital divide for our students and families, during distance learning and long after the pandemic has ended.”
“Internet connectivity is absolutely essential for every student,” Board Member Dr. George J. McKenna III said. “Los Angeles Unified is committed to doing whatever it takes to provide the appropriate services needed by our students, including removing the cost barrier for families in need.”
“Our students deserve service beyond connecting. We must continue to build access and quality, sustained connection today and beyond the pandemic,” Board Member Mónica García said. “Investing in this promise is investing in 100% graduation for all."
“With no time to prepare, Los Angeles Unified developed and executed a distance learning program and invested in student learning through the mass distribution of devices and strategies for connectivity,” Board Member Scott M. Schmerelson said. “Unfortunately, after all our efforts, some of our students continue to struggle to stay connected and engaged. Now more than ever, we must continue to leverage existing resources, create new partnerships and advocate at the state and federal levels to address the digital divide and close the equity gap that continues to affect many of our students.”
“In this day and age, internet connectivity is as necessary for students as pencils, pens, paper and textbooks,” Board Member Jackie Goldberg said. “We must make sure this is not another situation of the haves and have-nots as we work to make this necessity affordable for those who can pay, and free for those who cannot.”
Tanya Ortiz Franklin is the newest member of the LA Unified Board of Education representing Board District 7, where she was previously a student, teacher, teacher-educator and advocate. She is committed to ensuring all students graduate fully prepared to thrive in the college and career of their choice. LA Unified Board District 7 includes the diverse communities of South LA, Watts, Gardena, Carson, Lomita, Harbor City, Wilmington and San Pedro.
To learn more about the resolution, please visit https://boe.lausd.net/03-09-21RegBd. If you would like more information about this topic, please call Stephanie at 626-758-7748 or email at [email protected].
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