Secession and the Schools

Re “Two Views on Secession Issue,” March 28.

Your reporter asked Yolanda Valenzuela her views on the secession issue. Valenzuela responded, in part, by saying that the $8 million being spent on the LAFCO [Local Agency Formation Commission] feasibility study could be used for other things, such as air-conditioning for the schools.

Her statement reflects the misconception of the majority of San Fernando Valley residents--that the city operates the schools. Nothing is further from the facts! It is time that the Valley secessionists wake up and understand that this movement was born because of the dissatisfaction with the Los Angeles Unified School District, and [the perception] that the city of Los Angeles was to blame.

Once and for all, the city of Los Angeles has nothing to do with the management and operation of “city” schools. The city does not set policy, does not approve the district’s budget, does not hire and fire teachers, nor has anything else to do with the district’s operation. There are very few exceptions to that. Granted, Mayor Richard Riordan and some council members constantly talk about the quality of education, or lack thereof, in Los Angeles, to their credit. But Riordan’s endorsement of certain board members in the upcoming election further confuses everyone on this issue.

If the voters in the Valley believe that secession from the city will improve the quality of education, they’re in for a very costly surprise.

STEVE MORGAN

Northridge