Results tagged “ramon cortines” from School Notebook

The Los Angeles school board heard budget-cut recommendations Tuesday from Superintendent Ramon Cortines, who didn't go for any sugar-coating.

"We are not going to be the same. I am not going to sit here and lie to you and say everything will the same," Cortines said. "Schools will suffer."

He later continued: "I would say that these (cuts) are not in the best interest of our children, but you don't have any choice. ... You tell me where to get the money to fill that bucket. I've taken everything I can take. What I am recommending negatively affects every aspect of this district."

The district, which has already this year cut $427 million from its $6 billion budget, needs to slice off another $140 million by the end of the year. In the 2009-10 school year, the district needs to cut $596 million -- and another $156 million in 2010-11, according to a presentation by district CFO Megan Reilly.

To reduce spending for next year's budget, Cortines had recommended laying off about 8,500 employees, including 3,600 teachers. His recommendations included:

--layoffs and reassignments of one-quarter of headquarters staff
--cutting in half the budgets of local district offices, which will be moved onto campuses
--layoffs of nearly 500 counselors
--increased class sizes across K-12
--one-day furloughs for all employees

Cortines said the avoidance of midyear cuts made more dramatic reductions now necessary. Board members will vote on his proposed cuts March 31.

Here's the take from Daily News reporter George Sanchez, who talked to some parents who protested outside the board meeting.

Also of note: Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez today continues his focus on local schools with a critical look at UTLA's 347-page contract, which requires the newest teachers to be laid off first, regardless of talent. (The teachers union and LAUSD came to a tentative contract extension through 2011 yesterday.)

Los Angeles Unified Superintendent Ramon Cortines has not ruled out teacher layoffs as the school district seeks to close a nearly $900 million budget gap through the next school year.

Cortines spoke to board members at a special meeting today that focused on the district's dire financial situation. LAUSD faces a $894 million budget deficit for this year and the 2009-2010 school year.

"We are doing everything we can to minimize the impact of these cuts on classrooms but the severity of the current situation requires us to look at everything," Cortines said in a statement issued by the school district after the meeting.

CFO Megan Reilly said the district was "in survival mode."

Cortines said he would cut from administration first, with a planned 30 to 50 percent cut to Beaudry (the district's downtown headquarters) and the eight local district offices. Maintenance, custodial services and transportation could also be cut.

In a list of possible cuts, Cortines offered this final bullet point: "Potential reduction in some educational programs."

The superintendent said earlier this year that the district would not cut teaching staff, but that was before state legislators passed a budget that cuts more than $10 billion from education. Districts are struggling to respond, both in the South Bay and across the region and state.

Federal stimulus funds won't be enough to fill budget holes, education officials say.

The Board of Education will vote on layoffs and cuts March 10.

The Los Angeles Unified school board will hold a special meeting Thursday at 4 p.m. to appoint a new superintendent, following yesterday's move to buy out the remaining two years David Brewer's four-year contract.

Everybody is pretty much assuming that Senior Deputy Superintendent Ramon Cortines will be the board pick for an interim position.