Finding L.A. School Sites

Re “Build Schools or We All Fail,” editorial, July 9: What strikes me hardest about the lack of new schools in the L.A. Unified School District is that there is always local opposition. The district must choose among contaminated and industrial sites. The problem would exist whether or not L.A. Unified is split up. The public pattern of blaming and simultaneously denying responsibility is not limited to school sites. It permeates all issues surrounding education.

The public cannot continue to decry the state of public education while simultaneously denying responsibility for it. An ignorant majority adversely affects everyone, from corporate officer to homeless window washer. The potential damage of massive ignorance is unthinkable. At stake is not economic power alone but a population ignorant of the democratic principles that make our country possible. Without that, we are lost.

To the Los Angeles public and the American public as a whole, I say: Save yourselves! Stop complaining, stand up and take personal responsibility for the education of all children.

KEVIN BRANDON

Los Angeles

* The costs associated with acquiring school properties can be zero. Use existing school properties by building on part of the area now designated for playground. Reduced playground space can be utilized by spreading the recess times across more classes and even using the lawns (fenced) in the front of the schools for little ones. Build three-story schools to accommodate increased student enrollment. The end result will be less costly, with faster time to completion and no problem with residents. Then tear down the old school buildings, sending small, stand-alone classrooms to other locations, and create new playgrounds.

JUDD WENNER

Los Angeles