This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
LAUSD board approves layoff warnings with final notices to come later
File photo: LAUSD school board members voted to send hundreds of layoff notices to district teachers and other workers. The teachers union, which is in labor talks with the district, called the notices a "scare tactic."
(
Manny/Flickr
)
The Los Angeles Unified school board is warning 609 counselors, foreign language and art teachers and other employees they may be reassigned or laid off at the end of the school year.
Administrators project a deficit of $160 million next school year and say the layoffs may be necessary to keep the district afloat. Once final budget figures are in, the district can – and often does – rescind what are known as RIFs, or Reduction in Force notices.
The district is in the middle of labor negotiations with the teachers union, UTLA. Union President Alex Caputo-Pearl said administrators are using the layoff notices as a scare tactic.
"This doesn’t make sense. It especially doesn’t make sense when we have money," Caputo-Pearl told the board Tuesday.
The California legislature plans to increase school spending, and L.A. Unified is expecting an additional $230 million for the next school year. But district administrators said declining student enrollment coupled with rising pension and heath care costs will make it difficult to balance the budget.
The board spent 56 seconds discussing the layoff warnings at Tuesday's meeting and voted 5-2 to approve the notices.
“I’m expecting better solutions in June,” board member Monica Garcia said, before voting to approve the RIFs.
Sponsored message
Board member Steve Zimmer said he was committed to "restoring every single one of these" positions before also voting yes.
Members Tamar Galatzan, Monica Ratliff and George McKenna cast votes with the majority.
Members Richard Vladovic and Bennett Kayser opposed the measure. The two, along with Galatzan, are in runoffs in their bids for reelection.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
