LAUSD rally calls for smaller class sizes, better education

BOYLE HEIGHTS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Thousands of teachers, parents and students fanned out across Los Angeles on Thursday afternoon, taking part in a national day of action. They say they're fighting for smaller class sizes and safer campuses in the L.A. Unified School District, demanding better schools and better education.

"Our public school system is hurting," said LAUSD teacher Dolores Munoz. "We want to fix it and we want to start with the baby steps, rallying support for what we believe our students deserve."

Dozens gathered at Mariachi Plaza in Boyle Heights and at Narbonne High School in Harbor City, two of five rallies. Their top demands are fully staffed schools, cleaner and safer facilities and smaller class sizes.

"Our schools have really big classroom sizes, and there's not enough one-on-one teacher and student," said Destiny Renteria, a senior at Roosevelt High School.

The rallies are part of a nationwide day of action by the alliance to reclaim our schools. Rallies and marches were planned in more than 20 cities.

The teachers union, which is currently in negotiations with the district, says the situation is getting worse by the day.

"The difficulties that makes it a very challenging situation is that if we had other resources that we need then we can definitely focus on our job, which is educating students," said LAUSD teacher Brian Moritta.