LAUSD Votes to Hand Over Schools to Charter Groups

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Charter school operators say LA Unified has made history; the teachers' union says it's violating the law. We hear a debate. Also, a budget crisis for LA's most successful anti-gang program, and fire seasons opens with a big fire. On our rebroadcast of today's To the Point, there were massive truck bombs in Baghdad last week, even as Prime Minister al-Maliki claimed to have security well in hand.

The LA School Board defied organized labor last night by opening up 250 schools to outside operators. We hear from the head of the Teachers' Union and the Board member who sponsored the new policy. Also, a budget crisis for LA's most successful anti-gang program, and we talk with an expert who says today's big fire should just be allowed to burn.  On our rebroadcast of today's To the Point, there were massive truck bombs in Baghdad last week, even as Prime Minister al-Maliki claimed to have security well in hand. Will political instability lead to civil war? Will Iran extend its influence in Iraqi affairs? Should the US continue its troop withdrawal?

Banner image:Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa talks with students near a school mural depicting the city of Los Angeles during a tour of New West Charter Middle School. Photo: David McNew/Getty Images

From this Episode:

Credits

Host:

Warren Olney

Producers:

Sonya Geis, Christian Bordal