Superintendent Austin Beutner, in remarks to Consuls General at the Los Angeles Consular Corps (LACC) Luncheon on Thursday, talked about the importance of working together to prepare students for a global economy.
“Los Angeles Unified is the most diverse big city in the country, where America comes to see its future, a future where all students have an understanding of the world around them and are prepared for all of the opportunities in an increasingly global economy,” Superintendent Beutner said. “In a time when Washington seems to focus on conflict and differences, we must lead the way here in Los Angeles and we must teach our students that the best way forward is through better understanding and cooperation.”
Superintendent Beutner noted that work is needed to provide every student with these opportunities and called on the Consuls General to work more closely with schools in Los Angeles Unified. Superintendent Beutner proposed working with Consulates to expand student exchange and cultural exchange programs. Already, more than 10 countries have agreed to “adopt” a school in Los Angeles Unified to support this effort.
“One of our primary tasks is to work closely with our communities in this diverse city,” Dean of the LACC and Consul General of Azerbaijan Nasimi Aghayev said. “The education of children from our communities in Los Angeles Unified is of paramount importance for us. Therefore, we were delighted to learn from Superintendent Beutner about important steps taken by Los Angeles Unified to provide a great future and opportunities for all students. We also appreciate the Superintendent’s efforts to establish a stronger cooperation between Los Angeles Unified and our Consular Corps that would culturally enrich and tremendously benefit the student population of Los Angeles, providing them with global experiences.”