LAUSD cuts to the bone

Teachers and supporters attend a meeting of the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education to discuss a proposal to eliminate thousands of jobs in hopes of closing a $718 million budget gap April 14, 2009 in Los Angeles, California.

The Los Angeles Unified School District will close Fremont High, dismiss its teachers and re-open from scratch next year. Known as "reconstitution," teachers would be allowed to reapply for their jobs or be placed elsewhere in the district. And the economic downturn continues to wreak havoc with school budgets. LAUSD is now projecting a $470 million deficit. Officials have approved an interim budget plan which could result in 5,000 to 8,000 layoffs by next fall. What would this mean for teachers and students in the already-beleaguered school system?

The Los Angeles Unified School District will close Fremont High, dismiss its teachers and re-open from scratch next year. Known as "reconstitution," teachers would be allowed to reapply for their jobs or be placed elsewhere in the district. And the economic downturn continues to wreak havoc with school budgets. LAUSD is now projecting a $470 million deficit. Officials have approved an interim budget plan which could result in 5,000 to 8,000 layoffs by next fall. What would this mean for teachers and students in the already-beleaguered school system?

Then, listen in to our interview with U.S. Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan.

Guests:

Tamar Galatzan, School Board Member District 3

AJ Duffy, President, UTLA--United Teachers of Los Angeles

Bill Ring, Vice-Chair of The Parent Collaborative

Ray Cortines, Superintendent of Los Angeles Unified School District