Last week, the Los Angeles Board of Education postponed voting on a proposal that would allow for competitive bidding on 50 new schools to be opened over the next four years.

The resolution, "Public School Choice: A New Way at LAUSD" (pdf Item 33 pg 7-10) authored by LAUSD Board Vice President Yolie Flores Augilar, opens ownership to not only the district or charter operations but also the mayors office, private business and nonprofit groups.

Parents and teachers are generally opposed to the plan while the mayor's office and some school board members seek to move forward with the deal or some similar proposal.

The resolution cites academic underperformance in public schools within the district as a reason to support this effort as well as giving parents and the community a more active role in giving students access to quality education.

However concerned parents, community activists and teachers groups see numerous opportunities for abuse and are working to organize and make their voices heard within the community before the resolution returns to the board Aug. 25.

More from the L.A. Times

And the Daily News

Charter School Q&A

LAUSD School Board

Some background: 4L.A.Kids