Pacoima Middle School is geared up for the new academic year, with various preparations underway. Teacher Raquel Chacon distributed Algebra 1 workbooks to her seventh-grade students. Meanwhile, Justin Cole organized school uniforms for unhoused students. Florian Ospina ensured no chess pieces were missing in the school library. Scott Mandel is focused on raising $60,000 for a student trip to Washington, D.C.
Los Angeles Unified initiated the school year for its 1,300 schools as educators highlighted academic goals. The district, however, faces potential challenges including more than 6,000 potential job losses to counter a projected $3.6 billion deficit.
While academic performance has improved, the district faces declining enrollment. Concerns also linger over federal immigration enforcement. Boyle Heights families deal with the aftermath of the Lineage warehouse fire, which affected the environment. District officials have sanitized schools and installed high-grade air filters to ensure safety.
The district navigates leadership challenges. Last year, Supt. Alberto Carvalho was removed following an FBI investigation. He was replaced by Andrés E. Chait, a lower-profile figure. L.A. Unified holds about 390,000 students, making it the state’s largest school district.
The district continues preparing for a new year. Teachers decorated bulletin boards and cafeteria staff introduced new meal items, including a vegan blueberry muffin and a ‘butter chicken’ entree developed by students.
Pacoima Middle School’s Initiatives
Pacoima Middle School reflects district challenges and achievements. The school’s enrollment dropped from 1,500 students a decade ago to around 700. Principal Simer Garcha attributes the decline partly to federal immigration enforcement. The school competes with charter schools and magnet programs, yet boasts modern technology and improved test scores.
Raquel Chacon’s math classes see increasing high achievers. She emphasizes tailoring education to student needs and challenges them beyond Algebra. The number of students in advanced math rose from 30 to 75. Chacon also leads an e-sports program that combines fun with computer science training.
The school supports roughly 30 homeless students through a free boutique offering uniforms and clothes. Cole ensures services are prepared for incoming students. Ospina, once a history teacher, now a librarian, works to boost library engagement and has won awards for enhancing reading among students. Chess games are held in the library to enrich student learning.
Mandel leads the Pacoima Singers, a renowned choir. The challenge lies in funding their annual Washington, D.C. trip, now costing over $60,000. Mandel remains committed to including every student.
District-wide Outlook
L.A. Unified’s major programs remain largely unaffected by budget cuts, but over 6,000 jobs are at risk if financial adjustments aren’t executed. Chait will make crucial decisions, including those related to safety measures enacted post-warehouse fire. The district continues to ensure air safety with new filters and air purifiers, though some parents remain concerned about outdoor conditions.
Chait previously led operations in the San Fernando Valley and worked with Garcha. Recently, he visited Pacoima Middle School to emphasize the importance of attendance, recognizing the school’s high attendance rate.
Aayden Vasquez, a new student at Pacoima, expressed excitement for sports and clubs. His mother values his education and is pleased with his placement.
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