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 is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Of the 20K Pink Slips Sent to California Teachers Yesterday, More Than Half Went to LAUSD Staff
Did Generic McTeacherface get a pink slip yesterday? (Photo by olly via Shutterstock)
Being a public school educator is a challenging, unglamorous profession, and as of yesterday, for 20,000 California teachers, it's not even a job anymore. Pink slips, or "preliminary layoff notices" went out around the state yesterday. Local districts are are among those who sent off the most, but the Los Angeles Unified School District takes the cake: They sent out 11,700 notices, which is over half of the total sent state-wide.
The core issue: Budget woes. The state and school districts are struggling to make do with what they've got. For the top-heavy, test-centric LAUSD, this usually means wiping out enriching programs completely and firing teachers and vital school support staff, like nurses and librarians.
Interesting fact: No other portions of the State Budget has been cut as much as K-12 education
— Los Angeles Unified (@LASchools) March 14, 2012
Oftentimes, however, the school districts rescind the layoff notices by the end of the school year. Until that happens--and, this time, with the budget crunch, if that even happens--20,000 California teachers are poised to take up a spot in the unemployment office line.
The pink slip game is nothing new; it happened at this time last year, too, prompting protests and a teacher to create a YouTube rap video about the dire situation.
According to ABC7, the layoff notice process takes a toll:
Unions say the notices are bad for morale, accusing the school district of using a scare tactic to prod employees into giving concessions such as furloughs and pay cuts. The union and the district are currently in arbitration over furloughs that would save the district $60 million.
Sponsored message
Three initiatives proposed for the November ballot could trigger more education funding, but would also raise sales and/or income taxes, something California voters aren't fond of supporting.
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
