Pacoima Middle School and L.A. Unified Face a Year of Challenges

At Pacoima Middle School, preparations for the new school year are underway. Teacher Raquel Chacon organized Algebra 1 workbooks for seventh-graders. Justin Cole ensured school uniforms for homeless students were ready. In the library, Florian Ospina checked that no chess pieces were missing. Meanwhile, Scott Mandel geared up to raise $60,000 for a student trip to Washington, D.C.

L.A. Unified opened 1,300 schools, highlighting classrooms, student programs, and academic goals. However, the district faces serious challenges this year. There are potential job cuts exceeding 6,000 positions to avoid a budget deficit nearing $3.6 billion. Although academic performance is improving, enrollment shrinks faster than in most California districts.

Immigration enforcement fears loom over families as the district legally challenges the Trump administration. In Boyle Heights, children attend eight schools near the site of the Lineage warehouse fire, facing summer hardships like toxic smoke and rat infestations. Despite concerns, district officials have assured parents that campuses are safe, sanitized, and equipped with high-grade air filters.

Leadership changes have also marked the district. Last year, the board planned to rehire Supt. Alberto Carvalho. However, after an FBI raid on his home in February, Carvalho resigned in June amid allegations of misconduct. A new superintendent, Andrés E. Chait, a career insider, has taken over.

Challenges and Success at Pacoima Middle School

Pacoima Middle School, reflecting district challenges, has its successes. Enrollment has dropped from 1,500 a decade ago to 700, exacerbated by federal immigration measures. Principal Simer Garcha competes with charter and magnet schools but offers enhanced academic programs and improved test scores. The school boasts a robotics lab and new fitness equipment.

Chacon is nurturing high achievers among students from high-poverty backgrounds. She focuses on keeping children challenged by supplementing the curriculum when students surpass standards. Notably, students in accelerated math increased from 30 to 75 in a year. Chacon also heads an e-sports program offering computer science training disguised as fun.

The school’s homeless student population benefits from a free boutique providing uniforms, shoes, and clothing. Cole ensures services for these students are ready for the school year. The library, managed by Ospina, promotes reading with popular books and chess games, attracting more student interaction. Despite a few lost chess pieces over the years, participation grows.

Mandel continues to lead the renowned Pacoima Singers, planning fundraising efforts to cover rising expenses for their annual Washington, D.C., trip. Tariffs and inflation have increased costs from $50,000 to at least $60,000. With a firm stance that “Everybody goes or nobody goes,” he relies on fundraising to ensure all students participate.

The District’s Prospects

L.A. Unified, despite decision-making challenges, has avoided cuts to major programs. However, the district plans to eliminate over 6,000 jobs, implementing unpaid furlough days, to avoid county intervention. Workers’ unions currently oppose these actions.

Boyle Heights responded to parental safety concerns post-fire with campus cleanups and air quality improvements, although some activists push for soil testing and possible student relocation. Such critical decisions rest with Chait, now overseeing the district.

Chait’s familiarity with Pacoima Middle School influenced his choice to hold a media event there, emphasizing attendance’s importance. Pacoima has impressive attendance rates, a factor in his decision. New student Aayden Vasquez anticipates his start at Pacoima, eyeing sports, clubs, and music opportunities. His mother is excited about his recent recognition as a gifted student, continuing a family tradition.