This letter is in response to the article entitled, “Local school district flush with funds, improved test scores.” Although the SMMUSD receives $10.3 million from parcel taxes, $6.2 million and $300,000 from the city of Santa Monica and Malibu respectively, the increase in funding has not improved the academic achievement for all students especially for lower middle class Caucasians and Black and Latino males.
According to the SMMUSD Inter-cultural Advisory Council report released on February 28, 2006, 51.7 percent of Afro-American males and 45.7 percent of Latino males in the 9th through 12th grade are at or below a 1.9 GPA. Caucasian student statistics were not released with this report. However, many parents from middle to lower income families report dismal performance levels for their children as well. In short, even with an overall improvement in the API of 33 points over a four year period, this is meaningless for students who will never have the opportunity to enter a Cal State or UC school while achieving an “F” GPA.
Moreover, it is true that public schools play “a vital element in creating desirable, safe, and vibrant communities” as stated by SMMUSD Board President Julia Brownley. However, even the most casual observer would have to agree that the death of honor student Eddie Lopez a few months ago was caused in part by the failure to understand the multi-cultural skill set needed in a high school principal and the lack of leadership in making the campus safe for all students regardless of ethnicity, color, or place of origin. A real leader would not have allowed electoral politics and the need to raise campaign funds to interfere with her primary responsibility which is to ensure a safe environment where high academic achievement is the norm for all students regardless of color or economic status.
Jules Bagneris, president
Principles Over Politics Coalition