Last Member Drive of 2025!

Your year-end tax-deductible gift powers our local newsroom. Help raise $1 million in essential funding for LAist by December 31.
$614,087 of $1,000,000 goal
A row of graphics payment types: Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay and PayPal, and  below a lock with Secure Payment text to the right
Audience-funded nonprofit news
radio tower icon laist logo
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Subscribe
  • Listen Now Playing Listen

This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.

KPCC Archive

Head of LAUSD's Arts Education Branch talks equity, budget ahead of retirement

Rory Pullens, the new head of the arts education program for the Los Angeles Unified School District, speaks to teachers during an introduction meeting at George Washington Carver Middle School.
FILE: Rory Pullens, the then-new head of the arts education program for the Los Angeles Unified School District, speaks to teachers during an introduction meeting at George Washington Carver Middle School. Pullens announced his retirement.
(
Benjamin Brayfield/KPCC
)

Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.

Listen 0:50
Head of LAUSD's Arts Education Branch talks equity, budget ahead of retirement

LAUSD’s Senior Executive Director of Arts Education Rory Pullens announced he is retiring. Today, July 6, is his official last day.

Pullens said, among other things, he’s proud of expanding partnerships with the entertainment industry, and the district’s work in increasing equity in access to arts education. 

You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.

Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.

If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.

Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief

Make your tax-deductible year-end gift today

A row of graphics payment types: Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay and PayPal, and  below a lock with Secure Payment text to the right