LAUSD satisfies budget revisions in 45-day window, county to continue monitoring

The Los Angeles Unified School District made adequate revisions to its budget and fiscal stabilization plan within the 45-day period outlined in a July 2 letter from the Los Angeles County Office of Education. But it will continue to be monitored by LACOE, the agency confirmed to EdSource Thursday. 

The July letter projected that Los Angeles Unified would face a $231 million cash shortfall in 2027. 

“LACOE’s goal is not to direct LAUSD’s spending decisions,” according to LACOE’s statement. “Our responsibility is to ensure the District maintains a fiscally sustainable budget and lives within its means. The focus remains on sound governance, fiscal responsibility and the District’s successful implementation of its fiscal commitments.”

Many of the plans LAUSD outlined to the Los Angeles County Office of Education are multiyear measures and haven’t yet been implemented, LACOE said. District administrators previously told EdSource that such measures could include layoffs, furloughs and school closures. 

“Where projected savings depend on actions that remain subject to negotiation or have otherwise not yet been realized, LAUSD will need to demonstrate that those savings are achieved or identify sufficient alternative solutions,” LACOE said in a statement to EdSource. 

As a result, LACOE said it would continue to monitor the district — including through a financial expert — and determine whether the cuts outlined in the district’s fiscal stabilization plan are implemented and lead to adequate savings. 

“We will continue to work with LACOE to ensure our financial plan includes necessary actions for the District to continue to meet its financial obligations,” LAUSD said in a statement. 

This story was originally published by EdSource.