The organizing and advocacy of educators, school staff, and parents at Flournoy Elementary School in Watts has earned them a victory with the removal of their principal. 

After years of the principal’s negligence, unprofessionalism, and disrespect, UTLA educators banded together with SEIU 99 members and parents to pressure the district to address the problem. The community’s collective action included rallying in front of the school, holding meetings, and speaking out at the school board.

This week, they learned their organizing paid off and the principal has been removed. Flournoy UTLA Chapter Chair Elise Pepe is certain that this effort would not have been possible without everyone’s persistence.  

“Last year when the district kept telling us no, no, no, we could have stopped, but we decided we weren’t going to do it,” Pepe said. “At the beginning of our campaign, we were nervous that we were going to get in trouble, but you cannot get in trouble for showing up for your students.”

Parents, school staff, and educators rally outside the school on November 1 to demand the removal of the principal.