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L.A. Now Live: Crenshaw High to be converted to magnets

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In an effort to turn around underachieving Crenshaw High School, the Los Angeles Board of Education on Tuesday approved Supt. John Deasy’s drastic proposal to remake the campus into three magnets — and require teachers to reapply for their jobs.

Times education reporter Stephen Ceasar will join L.A. Now Live at 9 a.m. to discuss the board’s decision.

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No school has meant more to the African American community in Los Angeles than Crenshaw High. For most of its 45 years, it has been an established neighborhood hub, known for championship athletic teams and arts programs, and sending graduates to top colleges.

But the Leimert Park campus has declined in recent years. Dropout rates have soared and student achievement has plummeted. Deasy calls it one of the district’s biggest disappointments.

Deasy’s critics, including those at Crenshaw, were quick to complain. They say he is using an ax instead of a scalpel, that his approach would jettison talented people and abandon efforts that show some promise and deserve his support.

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