Layoff notices sent to 7,000 in LAUSD

Los Angeles Unified officials approved sending layoff notices to more than 7,000 employees Tuesday, to address a budget shortfall of at least $408 million for the 2011-12 school year.Connie Llanos in the Daily News,.

After spending more than two hours debating the grim financial picture, the LAUSD school board voted 5-2 to approve a budget outline that makes sharp cuts to programs that include high-performing magnet schools, arts and music classes and pre-school.

The board also voted 4-2, with one abstention, to send layoff notices to 7,300 district teachers, principals, counselors, nurses and librarians. While not all are expected to lose their jobs, the district is required by state law to notify those who are at risk of being cut.