Reform Means Respect: A Progressive Perspective on Obama Global Preparation Academy

From its beginnings, Barack Obama Global Preparation Academy struggled in a manner not befitting of its namesake. The property on which the school sits was acquired through the controversial method of eminent domain – displacing hundreds of local homeowners in the process. Opened in September 2010 to relieve crowding from nearby middle schools, Obama Academy was immediately pushed through LAUSD’s Public School Choice process, which created a battle between charter operators like Inner City Education Foundation (ICEF) and District stakeholders over control for the campus. Despite the lobbying efforts of outside charter school groups, local parents and teachers were able to develop a school management plan that was eventually accepted and approved by the LAUSD School Board.

The leading figure behind Obama Academy’s early development was Veronique Wills. As the former principal of Foshay Learning Center, Ms. Wills had a reputation for setting high standards, supporting her staff and fighting for her students. She displayed a rare willingness to build genuine relationships between the school and community-based organizations. When the MTA began building a rail line dangerously close to Foshay, Ms. Wills joined activists to express concerns about student safety. All of these qualities were on display from the moment she was picked to be the first principal of Obama Academy.

For Ms. Wills and the staff at Obama, the beginning of the 2010 school year failed to produce any of the early optimism typical at new schools. Textbooks did not arrive until November. No campus aides. Teachers doubled as custodial staff. To compensate for the lack of support, Ms. Wills responded by working longer hours and inspiring her staff to go above and beyond to serve Obama’s 1,300 students. She built relationships with local groups like the area neighborhood council to help keep the school functioning. Despite the fact the school was set up to fail, she provided the courageous leadership expected from school principals. This is why the premeditated, politically motivated removal of Ms. Wills from Obama Academy has struck a deep chord within the hearts of school staff and community residents.

However, as the Ad Hoc Committee to Defend Public Education, we will not sit idly by and allow effective leaders, like Ms. Wills, be unjustly removed from our schools. While we recognize she was not perfect, Ms. Wills did a tremendous job as principal of Obama Academy. Real school reform means that the District respects all members of the school community. That is why we are demanding the following:

1.    The immediate return of Ms. Wills as principal of Obama Academy

2.    The reinstatement of the stakeholder vote for Public School Choice and its usage for all other major reform efforts