Ruben Zacarias was sworn in as the 43rd superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District last week. A 31-year veteran of the school district, he most recently served as the deputy superintendent. Being an insider thrust him to the forefront during the selection process. Now that he is in charge, the Business Journal Forum asks:

What should be first on Superintendent Zacarias’ agenda to turn around the school district?

Jeff Reinstein

President, COO

Barrister Executive Suites

I think an important area for him to focus on is to really work hard to keep kids in school and in after-school programs in an effort to keep them away from crime. I’m sure that Superintendent Zacarias, as a 31-year veteran of the political system, will focus on improving the schools and be able to pinpoint the areas of weakness within the school system.

Nikki Finch

Travel Consultant

Uniglobe Panterra Travel

First and foremost should be the issue of safety on campuses. Then he should concentrate on smaller classes, as they seem to work, so those should be continued and increased. Also, he should work on equalizing the quality of teachers. Finally, he should give special attention to the ESL (English as Second Language) program because a very large part of the L.A. school population is foreign-born or speaks a foreign tongue.

Michelle Sylvestro

Director of Sales & Marketing

World Trade Center Association

There are several areas that he should concentrate on, including school safety for students and staff, providing updated books and equipment, and increasing the quantity and quality of teachers so that the teacher-student ratio is improved. He should also put an emphasis on the basics and then, of course, include international trade in the curriculum.

Tom McCurnin

Partner

Barton, Klugman & Oetting

I have not been convinced that it is a fiscal issue that you can thrown $10 million at the issue and fix it. It’s a management issue, a parental issue, and an education issue. The district needs to stop this assembly line education that just keeps students moving along without having the skills. He needs to begin reforming the education system and stressing better administration.”

Darin Hardin

Computer Presentation/Web Design

McDonnell Douglas Corp.

There are a lot of issues facing Zacarias and the school district. But my opinion is that the district needs to get at the core of the problem education. I think they need to pay more, and attract better teachers. Put the best, brightest and well-paid teachers at the 100 worst schools that will solve the problem. It’s worth the investment.”