Downey superintendent praises 'wonderful relationship' with teachers' union

DOWNEY — With Los Angeles Unified School District teachers poised to strike this week, Downey Unified superintendent Dr. John Garcia sent a message to parents Sunday, assuring them that the Downey school district’s relationship with teachers remains “wonderful.”

More than 30,000 LAUSD teachers may go on strike as early as Thursday after two years of failed negotiations on a new contract.

“As we are not part of Los Angeles Unified, I’m reaching out tonight to let you know that we in Downey Unified are fortunate to have a wonderful relationship with our teachers’ union and all of our DUSD staff will be welcoming your students everyday regardless of what happens with our neighbors next door,” Garcia wrote.

Downey public schools re-opened Monday after a two-week winter break.

Garcia will host a “Coffee with the Superintendent” event Tuesday, Jan. 8, starting at 6 p.m. at Stauffer Middle School.