Letter to the Editor: Compton Unified Board Appoints New Trustee

The Compton Unified School District (CUSD) Board of Trustees faced the daunting task of selecting a new trustee to take the seat of the late Margie Garrett. After a grueling process, they have appointed a former board member of Compton College.

Congratulations to the newest Compton Unified School District Governing Board Member Mrs. LoWanda Green and Superintendent Dr. Darin Brawley Ed.D for his 8 years of service.

Newly Appointed Governing Board Member LoWanda Green most recently served as a Trustee at Compton College for the past five years. Board Member Green stood out as the most qualified to apply for the seat left vacant by the passing of Margie Garrett.

Appointed to finish the term is different from participating in an election. When you appoint someone to a seat like this, you want someone who understands the role of governance. Understands the role of a Governing Board Member and is up to speed with the issues not just locally but statewide in education. As a College Trustee, Mrs. Green knows first hand what it takes to hit the ground running.

I think we all try to make out educators to be the best qualified for these positions. Policymakers and educators have different skillsets — both carryout specific vital roles in education. The composition of the Governing Board for Compton School District is no different than any other School District. Do your research, and you will find Teachers, Attorneys, Community Activist, and retired Civil servants serving on education boards across the country. If we are really in the mood to do what’s right in Compton, let us stop all the back and forth and finger-pointing. The mentality that I can’t talk or work with you because you speak or work with them is getting old and has left us far behind. We can find fault in anyone, including ourselves, but what does that accomplish?

Lastly, Dr. Brawley, THANK YOU for your service to the Compton Community! Dr. Brawley has just passed a service mark as the longest-serving (8 years) Superintendent since Compton Unified was released from receivership. No one can deny that Compton School District is better off now than it was before Dr. Brawley’s arrival. After Dr. Brawley arrived in Compton USD, he was given goals set by the Governing Board and has since far exceeded those goals. With the collective work of Dr. Brawley and the winning executive cabinet he assembled, Compton Schools began to make great strides towards the ultimate goal of Student Achievement.

When you are in a position of leadership, you can’t make everyone happy. There are checks and balances on every level of government. In education that starts and ends with the State Legislature. There is no magic wand or checkbook to solve every issue that comes across the board agenda. All we can expect of our elected and appointed leaders is to do what is best when items go before them. Make the right decision, most of which we might never really understand.