LAUSD Superintendent Michelle King addresses charter schools, new agenda

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Michelle King, who was appointed superintendent of LAUSD six months ago, will be releasing her new three-year plan for the nation's second-largest school district.

Speaking on Eyewitness Newsmakers, King said she is forming the plan after a series community and school meetings that she called her "listen and learn tour." She revealed the most asked about change from parents and students is choice -- choosing a school that best fits their needs. Another major concern is school safety and keeping students safe.

King outlined the district's five goals, which start with a 100 percent graduation rate. So far, LAUSD is on target to at least match last year's 74 percent graduation rate, but all the numbers haven't come in for the class of 2016.

The superintendent is not an opponent of charter schools, saying "We are all L.A. Unified." She is hosting a forum on July 23 for charters and traditional schools to "break down barriers" and learn the best practices of both.

Single sex education is also on the superintendent's agenda. This fall, LAUSD is opening an all girls' school for grades 6-12. It will focus on STEM classes: science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The following fall, a similar school will open for boys in grades 6-12.

The superintendent also answered viewer questions, which included issues with the school lunch program and teachers competing for summer assignments.

Eyewitness Newsmakers airs Sunday at 11 a.m. on ABC7.