Leaders rally in support of controversial LAUSD Superintendent John Deasy

Los Angeles schools Supt. John Deasy speaks during a press conference at South Region High School #2 in Los Angeles, California February 6, 2012. Deasy earlier informed parents at a community meeting that the district is replacing the entire staff of Miramonte Elementary School in the wake of the arrests last week of two teachers on lewd conduct charges. Miramonte teacher Mark Berndt, who worked at the school for 30 years, was arrested last week for allegedly gagging, blindfolding and then photographing his students and for putting cockroaches on their faces. A second teacher, Martin Bernard Springer, was arrested on Friday, also on suspicion of committing sexual crimes against students. AFP PHOTO / Krista Kennell (Photo credit should read Krista Kennell/AFP/Getty Images)

Deasy has received lots of criticism for his oversight of the controversial iPad program and longtime critics of his autocratic style say they want him fired. But a group of civic leaders are asking the school board to keep Deasy.

Tuesday Los Angeles Unified school board members will meet behind closed doors to talk about what they will -- and won't -- take into account when they review Superintendent John Deasy's performance later this month.

Deasy has received lots of criticism for his oversight of the controversial iPad program and longtime critics of his autocratic style say this is the last straw - they want him fired.

But he does have his supporters, and the closed session has many of them worried.

A group of civic leaders sent a letter to the school board Monday asking them to keep Deasy and lobbied for a more open process when they review him.

Elise Buik - chief executive of the United Way of Greater Los Angeles - is among the leaders who signed a letter of support. She shares more.