We, Community School Coordinators of the LAUSD Community Schools Initiative, UTLA chapter leaders and community, are deeply concerned about the current situation at Augustus Hawkins High School where our sister, Ms Cynthia Castillo, is not being reconfirmed as the Community School Coordinator despite the vibrant advocacy of students, staff, families and community in her favor. Community School Coordinators are confirmed by their colleagues through a vote.

Cynthia Castillo is one of 34 Community School Coordinators and by far a very accomplished team builder and collaborator. Cynthia is very skilled and talented, collaborative and very democratic in her practice, in a way that is consistent with the core values of Community Schools.

Hawkins High School administration, against the wishes of a majority of diverse stakeholders, has not moved to confirm Cynthia as the Community School Coordinator. We believe that removing Cynthia will threaten the progress made at Hawkins (also a Black Student Achievement Plan school) and threaten the overall Community School Initiative because it may give principals a feeling of precedent around removing Community School Coordinators who make them feel uncomfortable because the coordinators are following through on the Community School pillars of shared decision-making and parent/community engagement.  

We call on the Local District West leadership to intervene and listen to the voices and advocacy of students, families and approximately 18 community partners demanding Ms Cynthia Castillo continue in her role as Community School Coordinator at Hawkins High School in the 2022-23 school year.

Thank you,