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Listen Listen
Mariana Dale
What I cover
I explore and explain the forces that shape how and what kids learn from kindergarten to high school. Our K-12 education system has not always provided each child the same opportunities to succeed, but I believe all kids have the capacity to learn and find a meaningful place in the world.
My background
I started at LAist in 2019 as the early childhood reporter where I quickly realized that what we think of as education starts well before a kid steps into a classroom. Health, access to child care and nutritious food are a few of the many factors that shape young people’s lives. My reporting on the disparities in maternal mortality taught me that inequity can lead to deadly outcomes but also that there is a groundswell of community support pushing to change harmful systems.
I grew up in Arizona, where among other things, I reported on education, saguaro cactus and questions from people like you. I’m proud to mentor emerging journalists through Next Gen Radio and various education programs.
My reporting has earned a national Edward R. Murrow award, Hillman Prize and accolades from the L.A. Press Club and the Online News Association.
My goals
I want to help families navigate their child’s education, explore the challenges that prevent schools from creating an environment where all students can learn and highlight solutions.
Best way to reach me
I love to hear questions and ideas for stories about schools and the opportunities in our community for children to learn and grow. You can reach out by email at mdale@laist.com .
Stories by Mariana Dale
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The Local Public Schools Funding Authority — yes, that's a real thing — is asking South Bay voters to approve an $89 million bond to support the Centinela Valley Union High School District through increased property taxes.
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The El Monte City School District is asking voters to approve a $105 million bond through increased property taxes.
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The East Whittier City School District is asking voters to approve a $97 million bond through increased property taxes.
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The Burbank Unified School District is asking voters to approve a $458.2 million bond through increased property taxes.
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The Arcadia Unified School District is asking voters to approve a $358 million bond through increased property taxes.
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The Antelope Valley Joint Union High School District is asking voters to approve a $398 million bond through increased property taxes.
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Hay tres puestos disponibles en la poderosa junta que supervisa al segundo mayor distrito escolar de Estados Unidos. LAUSD se enfrenta a grandes retos, incluyendo el déficit de financiación, el absentismo crónico y los problemas de seguridad.
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Native American youths have driven civic engagement during recent elections.
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Kahllid Al-Alim and Sherlett Hendy Newbill are vying to replace George McKenna to represent L.A.’s Mid-City, Crenshaw, Arlington Heights, and Westmont neighborhoods in the L.A. Unified board.
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Dan Chang is running against incumbent Scott Schmerelson to represent the West San Fernando Valley and Studio City on the LAUSD School Board.
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Dozens of school districts in L.A. and Orange counties are asking voters to approve $17 billion in funding to maintain and replace school facilities.
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Grace Ortiz and Karla Griego are vying to replace retiring LAUSD Board president Jackie Goldberg. The winner will represent a curiously shaped district that spans from Southeast to Northeast L.A.
