Judge rules in favor of charter taking over two L.A. schools

A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge ruled Monday that the city school district can allow an outside group to run two long-struggling campuses.

The teachers union had sued to stop the Los Angeles Unified School District from letting Green Dot Public Schools, a charter school organization, take over all of Clay Middle School in Athens and half of Jordan High in Watts. The other half of Jordan is operated by a nonprofit group backed by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Classes have started at both campuses.

Teachers union officials had claimed that the district needed the approval of the majority of permanent teachers at the two schools before giving Green Dot control, but the judge ruled that the district was “obligated” to take action under federal and state law.

Teachers union officials said they planned to appeal the decision.

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-- Jason Song

Photo: Students take advantage of the new track at Jordan High in Watts. The school will undergo major changes in the upcoming school year. Credit: Mariah Tauger / Los Angeles Times