Lynwood Rotary Meeting Update 03.17.2016

At the March 17,   Meeting members and guests heard a presentation from  Paul Gothold, Superintendent, Lynwood Unified School District.  Mr. Gothold provided copies of a news article entitled:  “Truancy, Suspension Rates Drop in Greater Los Angeles Area Schools.”  The lead paragraph states: “ As evidence mounts that punitive discipline makes students more likely to go to prison than to college, school districts in greater Los Angeles, including Long Beach Unified and Lynwood Unified, are shifting away from suspending students or citing them for truancy.  Instead, they're making greater use of restorative justice programs … .”

Mr. Gothold's power point program included impressive statistics on improvements in academic performance and in reductions in suspensions.  For example within LUSD suspensions were reduced from 968 suspensions in 2011-12 to 402 suspensions for 2014- 15.  The LUSD now has a restorative justice center.  Overall, “we have flipped the coin” ...” in the sense that we are catching kids doing good things.”  In cases where student behavior could become a safety issue on campus, such as an incident of student fighting, an immediate assessment is made at the restorative justice center.  After this assessment the student receives personal help from a teacher, to include help with their assignments. 

In the power point presentation, it was shown that the system objectives are  Access, Justice, and Equity.  There is a moral imperative to prepare all students for college.  The statistics show impressive  academic performance but Mr. Gothold noted that more needs to be accomplished.  The power point data showed that five years ago, 58% of LUSD students graduate from high school.  In the last year, now 84% of LHS students graduated, and 91% of FHS students graduated.  Also of note, it was mentioned that at FHS 100% of African American students graduated and that 100% of these students started college the following year. 

AP (Advanced Placement) classes need to be taken by a greater percentage of students.  The concern that some students will not be able to perform at a more demanding academic level, is not shown in actual student performance.  Mr. Gothold stated that when expectation levels are increased, it has been shown that students will perform at a higher level required in a AP class.

In questions from the audience, Daniel noted that recently the club had the Compton College CEO, Keith Curry, as the meeting speaker,  who among other accomplishments noted that the college has worked with adjacent school districts, including LUSD, where high school courses are taught that result in college credits.  Mr. Gothold noted that LUSD is participating  with Compton College in providing these classes which he noted require “articulation agreements.”  Also Mr. Gothold mentioned that improved academic performance requires retaining good teachers.  With teacher layoffs of a few years ago, and pending retirements, programs are needed to attract young talented highly educated teachers.  An example of one program is “Teach for America.”

President Martina Rodriguez and President Elect Ramon Rodriguez were not able to attend the meeting due to other commitments.  So  previous Club President Raj presided at the meeting.  Before the presentation,  Raj stated he wanted to express his surprise and sorrow that yesterday by email Marisela Santana announced  that her last day working for the City of Lynwood as Public Information Officer is Thursday, Mar 17.  Raj stated that Marisela had always been very helpful by attending frequently Lynwood Rotary meetings and making announcements of coming events involving the city and the community.  He noted that her presence and announcements helped Lynwood Rotary members and guests know about and participate in community events.

Also before the presentation, Daniel commented that it is much appreciated that while Paul Gothold as a Lynwood Rotary Member is not able to attend all the weekly meetings, on a regular basis other LUSD staff members attend Lynwood Rotary meetings to include the following school staff:  Dr. Grosthwaite, Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services; Dr. Dotson, Director, Pupil Services; Dr. Jimenez, Director, Elementary Education; and Marlene Dunn, Chief Business Official.

Also Daniel repeated the announcement that coming to the Lynwood Library on Tue, Mar 29, 5:30- 8:00 pm is an art exhibition by professional artist, Felix Quintana, a graduate  of LUSD schools, and of several universities, who has had art exhibitions at several art galleries  

Daniel Miller /  Omar Franco  Public Relations and Community Outreach for the Lynwood Rotary Club