LAUSD Incumbent Scott Schmerelson on PROP-39 Co-Locations

As of publication, <a href="https://medium.com/discourse/two-lausd-incumbents-file-to-run-for-reelection-7902ac46fa40?sk=392e692ca1b4a38de7db253ddf831185" rel="noopener">Scott Schmerelson</a> is defending his seat against seven opponents in LAUSD’s Board District 3, which covers most of the western San Fernando Valley. As part of my ongoing Candidate Forum series, Schmerelson was asked five questions about PROP-39 co-locations. For the introduction to this subject along with answers from other candidates, please see the article <a href="https://changethelausd.medium.com/lausd-candidate-forum-prop-39-co-locations-c8d4e7708700?sk=f8ecae4babb46922071acfa31b9bacf1" rel="noopener">LAUSD Candidate Forum: PROP-39 Co-Locations</a>. It should be noted that these responses were received after the Board meeting on September 26, 2023, where the resolution proposed by Goldberg and Rivas was passed by the LAUSD School Board by a vote of four to two (<a href="https://medium.com/age-of-awareness/new-school-board-president-nixes-parent-engagement-and-special-education-committees-a5e4dfb349da?sk=830d11561d3cf68876c7855d2c4cb317" rel="noopener">Kelly Gonez</a> did not record a vote). At this meeting, the Director of the Charter School Division, <a href="https://medium.com/age-of-awareness/more-examples-of-failed-charter-school-oversight-5cc32b0c6007?sk=8db3318de04b5c08fc7fb220fbf51d7b" rel="noopener">José Cole-Gutiérrez</a>, revealed that, despite what has been told to public school parents for years, <a href="https://medium.com/educreation/he-lied-26a313b5c17c?sk=e2acafd1aad3e7a049bbd097c66851f3" rel="noopener">state law does not state that a room without a certificated teacher is considered empty</a>. This means that it has been the District’s choice to force some students with special education needs into closets or stairwells to receive needed services. <a href="https://medium.com/educreation/lausd-incumbent-scott-schmerelson-on-prop-39-co-locations-52b0e77d28a7">Website</a>