The LAUSD Board of Education has appointed Vivian Ekchian, the current acting Superintendent, as long term interim while the Board searches for a Superintendent to replace Michelle King.
King is currently out on medical leave, fighting cancer and is scheduled to retire by June 2018. The board unanimously appointed Ekchian late Tuesday after 2½ hours in closed session.
“I am humbled and honored to serve the students, families, and employees of the Los Angeles Unified School District as interim superintendent,” said Ekchian in a statement issued last night by the board of education.
“I look forward to accelerating the transformative work that is occurring throughout the District, while maintaining our steadfast focus on 100 percent graduation that will guarantee college, career, and life readiness for our shining stars,” she added.
The Board of Education seemed to be in agreement that Ekchian was a good pick for the interim job and expressed confidence that she will do a great job.
“We have confidence in Ms. Vivian Ekchian’s ability to lead the team during this critical period,” said School Board President Mónica García. “L.A. Unified’s commitment to access and equity will continue without interruption.”
LAUSD is the second largest school district in the United States (behind New York) with more than 640,000 student in K-12 grades. It operates 960 schools and 187 public charter schools spread over 730 square miles, according to the district’s statistics.