The LAUSD deficit is projected at $3.6 billion, and on Nov. 10 parents and staff rallied against a related cut to 42 affiliated charter schools. The district says the roughly $10 million a year in extra money comes from central resources and is being reshaped.
The rally came the same day the school board met at 3:30 p.m. Reports differ on whether the charter-specific change is final, so families should check the board agenda for the latest status.
What the LAUSD fiscal stabilization plan does
The board approved a fiscal stabilization plan 5-2 on June 16, according to LAist. It cuts central office contracts and staff and includes school consolidation. It also seeks savings through possible furlough days and lower district payments toward employee health insurance, though both need union negotiation.
The plan does not enact every cut at once. Further board votes are needed, and the cuts will likely lead to thousands of layoffs in coming years. To protect the Black Student Achievement Plan, the board drew down a pre-fund for retiree health benefits.
Why the LAUSD deficit is forcing cuts
School leaders say the district could use up its reserves within a few years without changes. Enrollment is falling, and relief money from the pandemic is gone. Also, county superintendents can step in when a district may not meet its financial obligations, which adds outside pressure.
LAist reported the $3.6 billion shortfall as a projection for the 2028-29 school year, which the plan aims to prevent. Another outlet put the figure on a different timeline, so the year is worth checking against district budget documents.
The affiliated charter change
The affiliated charter schools got extra money from central district resources after a state charter school grant ended in 2013, according to the district. A spokesperson told NBC Los Angeles that the change “brings greater consistency to how resources are allocated across the district.” The district adds that these schools still receive funding through norm-based allocations and programs.
Parents and staff see it differently. They say the cut is about $10 million a year, and they worry it will hurt enrollment, on-campus jobs and programs. However, the district says the schools keep their regular funding.
What families can do
Check the LAUSD board agendas for votes on the plan and for public comment dates. Families at affiliated charters can also ask their school how its budget will change. For related coverage, see our story on LAUSD school closure talks and the Los Angeles guide.
This is general information, not financial or legal advice. Figures come from news reports and may change as the board acts.