Our Fremont, Our Future!

On December 9, 2009 former Superintendent Ramon Cortines of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) announced that the chronically low-performing Fremont High School would undergo “reconstitution.”

Fremont consistently ranks as one of the worst performing schools in Los Angeles year after year. It has been failing South LA students and parents for generations. Every year, about 2000 students start as freshmen at Fremont, yet four years later less than 500 students are on the field for graduation. During the 2008-2009 academic year, 3226 students took a math proficiency test—but only 45 tested as proficient and only two scored at the advanced level. Nearly 3000 students were identified as far below basic or below basic. These conditions are unacceptable, and change is long overdue at Fremont.

Reconstitution offers the first real opportunity for significant change but the debate over Fremont focused on the battle between LAUSD and teachers while students and parents were being left out. With the most at stake, students and parents are critical to the reconstitution of Fremont and their voices should not be ignored.

That is why Community Coalition has been working with Fremont parents and youth since December 2009 to develop community-driven proposals to help strenghthen and reform Fremont into a school that provides a quality education for all. Community Coalition has been working with Fremont parents and youth for over a decade fighting to win positive changes and opportunities for the school because we know that Fremont is filled with thousands of youth who want to succeed but who receive less support, resources and attention that other schools in the district.

Parents and students know best what type of support they need to be successful and they presented these community-driven proposals to Superintendent Cortines on June 21, 2010 who agreed to commit to these three demands.

The community’s recommendations are:

1. Comprehensive Mental Wellness Program – to help students address issues that prevent them from focusing on their academic performance.
2. Health Career Academy – to spark interest for learning through rigorous curriculum that prepares students both for college and 21st century living wage careers.
3. Dropout Prevention, Intervention and Recovery Program – for students at risk or on the road to dropping out.

Watch Superintendent Cortines say "Yes!"

Community Coalition, parents and youth continue the work to ensure that these programs become a reality at the New Fremont High School.

To learn more or become involved in our campaign, please email us at info@cocosouthla.org

Read more about Fremont in the news:

LAUSD Supt. Visits CoCo to Deliver Victory to South LA Parents and Youth, The LA Wave, June 24, 2010

Fremont High School's Future Uncertain, La Opinión, June 14, 2010