Kyle Stokes
I report on the public education system — and the societal forces, parental choices and political decisions that determine which students get access to a “good” school (and how we define a “good school”).
Since graduating from the University of Missouri, I’ve covered education in three different states: first for StateImpact Indiana (WFIU/NPR); then in Seattle for KPLU Public Radio (now KNKX); and for this newsroom since February 2016. Along the way, I’ve covered two major teacher strikes and produced a documentary about the turnaround of a Seattle high school.
I was born in Minneapolis. A Martínez, now a co-host of NPR's Morning Edition and a former newsroom colleague, has called me L.A.’s “biggest Minnesota Twins fan.” I love how this region’s mountains and beaches wrap around the most diverse array of breakfast burritos imaginable. As a native Midwesterner, I know all this sunshine is truly a luxury — but I still think L.A.’s prettiest in the rain.
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In politically divided communities, principals report that schools themselves are becoming partisan battlegrounds. -
Victories for Rocío Rivas and Kelly Gonez strengthen United Teachers Los Angeles' political position at a crucial moment for the union.
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"I am ready to bring my very best to all of our constituents," Rivas said. "You can count on me to serve our district with unwavering dedication.”
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The District 6 incumbent believes she’s fended off a much-tougher-than-expected challenge from opponent Marvin Rodríguez — but he hasn’t conceded yet.
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Twenty years in, Cardona called California's funding program for after-school offerings — which Arnold Schwarzenegger championed when he was governor — a national model.
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Supt. Alberto Carvalho said some tutors are unprepared or haven’t shown up — and board members noted that may not entirely be the fault of the vendors.
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Rocío Rivas and Kelly Gonez both say they've won their very tight races.
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California voters set aside roughly $1 billion per year for arts programs in public schools.
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After setting records for negative advertising two years ago, the special interests who dominate LAUSD races are striking a different tone.
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Councilmember Mitch O'Farrell formally introduced a motion asking city officials to study opening L.A.'s "matching funds" program to candidates in LAUSD elections, likely through a ballot measure in 2024.
