LAUSD widens health benefits

In a split vote, L.A. Unified's new school board agreed to pay health benefits to part-time cafeteria workers - a decision that will cost the cash-strapped district $105 million over three years and could force layoffs of other workers to cover the expense. Naush Boghossian in the Daily News.

Board members who voted against the plan Tuesday said it could set a dangerous precedent and open the floodgates for other unions demanding full health benefits for their members.

Since the district's preliminary budget has already been submitted to county education officials without the benefits package, Superintendent David Brewer III has about a week to find $30 million in his 2007-08 budget to pay for the first year of the plan. The district's budget must be finalized by Sept. 10.