What is the future of LACHSA's Cinematic Arts department?

As a new incoming family to the CA community we strongly feel the uncertainty and wish that the CA department continues to meet or exceed the high standards implemented by Mr. Artigo.

Looking forward to receiving answers to these vital questions and concerns. Thank you.

We see no logical reasoning behind the decision Principal Mitzi Lizarraga has taken and agree with every sentiment all LACHSA CA parents have shared. To impede the growth of the CA Department that Jon Artigo and his loyal staff have worked so tirelessly to build, is a shame. Combining the Visual Arts and Cinematic Arts Departments is impossible to understand. One person overseeing both departments? It will bad for Cinematic Arts AND Visual Arts. You might as well call it the Multimedia Elective. That is available at every other school trying to offer "Arts".

Concerned parent of a transferring student. We made this transfer based on the assurance from Mitzi that this school was stable and there would be no budget cuts of changes. It appears that with these changes there are not only budget cuts there is also an uncertainly in leadership and curriculum.

Shocked and dismayed by the handling of this situation. I am very concerned about my daughter's education and the future of the department. My daughter exclaimed that Jon Arigo was the main reason the school was worth it to her. As parents we tolerate an academic program that is less than ideal because we believe in the strength of the arts department. When we are left doubting the strength of the leaders in charge of our children's creative education, we must demand action be taken to protect our children and their department.

Concerned grandparent of LACHSA student.

As a recent alum parent of Izzy '17, I have great concern for the legacy of the department we helped to built with Jon's leadership. I support the current parents in their insistence that these questions are answered so the CA department has a possibility to continue with the same regard, involvement, and support as in the past four years.

We deserve answers to these questions. We also should have an answer to how in the world we ended up in this position in the first place. What was the thought process and why wasn't it shared. We as parents could have been called upon if it was a financial issue. Very short sighted leadership on this action.

I'm deeply concerned about the future integrity of the CA program.

We need these questions answered.

We are very concerned about the future of cinematic department. We are going to need to give back to our students the tools and expertise they required to accomplish in our department. We need to be involved as parents to make sure the next person holds the high standards as Jon.

I would like to thank the initiative of the parents who have brought this forward. As a new addition to the school I am confused by the actions of the school since there has not appeared to be a clear reason why Mr. Artigo's contract was not reviewed. If there is a policy change in the administration will this affect the department in the future? It is obvious that this is an educator who is dedicated and made a major contribution to this program and the school. There also a parent body who has his support and appears very willing to undertake whatever is required to help him remain in the school. What assurance is the school providing that his removal and replacement will better the program? If there is a new vision that will benefit the program and the students will this be shared before school begins in a couple of weeks. Ken Thurlbeck

Yes indeed WHY? Just my two cents: Over-reaching six-figure salaries of Administrators. I truly believe the salary structure in the teaching profession should have an inverse-hierarchy. Maybe then administrators would understand what a teacher has to do in the front lines of education on a daily basis. I still can't believe Mr. Artigo was given the gargantuan responsibility of running the CA department as an hourly worker without benefits all this time. The one person who hand-picks all incoming students to the CA program as well as the one who produces the lucrative student film festivals? I believe the recent decision by LACHSA & LACOE is a grave error in administrative, educational, and financial judgment. Any ill-conceived fiscal or BUREAUCRATIC benefit of replacing Mr. Artigo and/or the inter-department integration will be wasted considering the steep learning curve of the new chair and the disorder that arises from a department losing its autonomy. This move will absolutely curtail the continuing growth of the CA program and the Arts Foundation for several months or maybe years to come. Which brings us back to the question..... Why?

I'd love to add a #8: Why did this happen? Walk us through the "process." Why was Mr. Artigo strung along for weeks thinking he was going to get a salary and benefits for his family, but NOT told a) he was in fact interviewing for the position he currently held; and b) it was now open to interviews with other candidates? And wrote an entire syllabus and held a Dept meeting. This "process" was an egregious "lie by omission." Because this could happen to ANY teacher... we've already lost many due to Administration's oppressive and demoralizing treatment, or surreptitious mishandling of policy.