School District Looks at $149 Million in Cutbacks
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Los Angeles school officials on Wednesday weighed nearly $149 million in budget cuts and reshuffles, including a proposal to take $44 million directly from schools.
The proposals, a response to lost state revenue and rising costs, could affect everything from library materials to maintenance. Officials of the Los Angeles Unified School District called the measures necessary, but the teachers union assailed them as “reckless and irresponsible.” The union is seeking a raise for district teachers this year.
The school board is scheduled to vote Thursday on the proposals.
The district’s chief financial officer said it might have to cut even deeper next year. An initial list of potential cuts for 2002-03 targets numerous popular programs. Among other things, class sizes would be increased in all grades, and the number of nurses, counselors and assistant principals would be reduced.
The school board will consider those proposed changes and others in the coming months as it puts a budget together for next school year.
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