As a start to his campaign to promote LAUSD culture, Austin Beutner, the new  LAUSD superintendent, embarked on his journey to visit LA Unified schools including Van Nuys High on May 15, his first day on the job.

“I’m just trying to meet with all the different stakeholders and experience an average day in LA Unified,” stated Beutner.

On arrival, Beautner was greeted by a team of staff and model students throughout campus including Maya Peterson as a representative of the school’s Academic Decathlon and the Performing Arts, Sharmie Azurel representing JROTC, Stefanie Tyo and Theresa Nguyen as representatives of the School Newspaper, and Damian Mercado representing the Auto-Shop and Skills USA programs.

With a brief introduction, Beautner was soon swept away by a team of cameras as he was led by Principal Yolanda Gardea to the engineering room, where he was engulfed by the work of numerous students and discussed with Mr. Joseph Agruso the work of the mechanical arts in Van Nuys.

Throughout his conversations with the students, he commented on their ability and perseverance in the field and his own passion towards learning and wanting others gain this passion.

“It starts with the student. Our role, our job, is to make sure every student is inspired and gets their education. Being here is a reminder that it does happen.”

Once settling away from the busyness of the auto shop, Beutner had time to reflect on his position and plans as the superintendent. He commented on his goals to continue an emphasis on student attendance and to promote graduation.

“Every student is working and we hope will work toward graduation, we have to be transparent and understand the opportunity gap that still remains between those who graduate and those who are eligible to apply to the UC or the Cal State system.”

“We need to be aware of how proficient and knowledgeable the graduates are so we can continue to help them.”

Along with this, Beautner emphasizes his goal towards keeping students inspired and ensuring LA Unified is offering students the best space to foster a learning environment and keeping updated and connected with our students.

“School districts get lost in the bureaucracy and the size of LA Unified, when the magic happens right here. Students are inspired and learning and preparing for their career, and that’s what this is all about.”

With a final comment, Beutner was then led back to the face of the school with Ms. Gardea at his side, the pair shaking hands and the latter of the two gifting the members of Beutner’s staff, and him personally, a Van Nuys High School water bottle, a keepsake from his visit.

Before leaving, Beautner offered parting words to Ms. Gardea and the staff who accompanied him throughout his visit.

“I want to thank your principal for allowing us on your campus. You are a nationally recognized magnet, which is fantastic, and filled with such great educators and great school leaders. We need to celebrate them and ensure they have the resources they need to continue this path.”