On May 13, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Board unanimously endorsed a transformative resolution spearheaded by Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin. Titled “Parental Package: LAUSD as an Equitable Employer of Choice for Thriving Families,” the initiative aims to position the district as a national leader in providing comprehensive support for employees who are in various stages of family planning and parenting.
This forward-thinking resolution seeks to enhance the benefits offered to LAUSD employees by improving family leave policies, increasing access to reproductive health services, providing lactation accommodations, offering childcare assistance, and facilitating long-term planning for employee-parents. The initiative addresses a critical gap in support for LAUSD’s workforce — many employees currently do not qualify for California’s state-paid family leave, leaving new parents in a precarious situation. Often, they are faced with difficult decisions between prioritizing their family’s needs and maintaining their income.
With the rising costs of quality childcare — often exceeding the typical median family income — LAUSD employees frequently encounter significant financial challenges when attempting to balance work and family life. The resolution aims to alleviate these pressures and redefine LAUSD as an employer committed to supporting its staff in their personal and professional endeavors.
In her remarks, Ortiz Franklin underscored the importance of the resolution, drawing on her personal experiences as both a board member and a parent. “I’ve experienced firsthand the challenges our employee-parents face,” she stated. “Our resolution transforms LAUSD into a workplace that truly supports the whole employee — from reproductive care to family leave to childcare.” Ortiz Franklin emphasized that when staff members are empowered to thrive in both their personal and professional lives, they are better equipped to educate and serve the district’s students.
The resolution, co-sponsored by Board Members Karla Griego and Kelly Gonez, outlines a commitment to developing an implementation plan by February 2026, aimed at addressing the immediate and long-term needs of LAUSD’s extensive workforce of over 70,000 employees.
LAUSD Board President Scott Schmerelson echoed this commitment, stressing that the district seeks to do more than merely “check boxes.” He articulated a vision of creating an inclusive and supportive environment where every community member has access to the resources necessary for success.
As LAUSD embarks on this ambitious journey, it sets a precedent for how educational institutions can redefine their role as equitable employers, paving the way for more vibrant, supportive workplace ecosystems. For more information on the initiatives, visit the LAUSD website at lausd.org.
