L.A. school unions agree to cut days from academic calendar
If approved by members of the employee groups, plan to shorten this school year by five days and next year by seven would save L.A. Unified $140 million and preserve some class sizes.
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Los Angeles school district officials and employee unions announced an agreement Saturday to cut five days from this school year and seven days next year in an effort to maintain up to 2,100 campus jobs.
If approved by members of the teachers and administrators unions, the move would save the Los Angeles Unified School District about $140 million and preserve class sizes in grade and middle schools, officials said. The district, the second largest in the nation, is facing a $640-million deficit.
District officials had been urging unions for months to make concessions to help balance the books. Administrators agreed to the furlough days Monday night, and the teachers union reached a deal late Friday, representatives said at a news conference.
"It is extremely important in going forward that we have this kind of partnership," said Supt. Ramon C. Cortines, who had occasionally appeared frustrated that the groups had not joined others in taking action to help the district with its budget crisis.
Under the plan, educators would have two extra paid, student-free professional development days next year.
Officials said they expect members of the unions to approve the shortened school years, particularly since they will save jobs and the pay cut is temporary.
The district, along with others throughout the state, is reeling from one budget shortfall to another. Districts have laid off teachers and increased class sizes, and some are considering closing schools.
If approved by members of the teachers and administrators unions, the move would save the Los Angeles Unified School District about $140 million and preserve class sizes in grade and middle schools, officials said. The district, the second largest in the nation, is facing a $640-million deficit.
District officials had been urging unions for months to make concessions to help balance the books. Administrators agreed to the furlough days Monday night, and the teachers union reached a deal late Friday, representatives said at a news conference.
"It is extremely important in going forward that we have this kind of partnership," said Supt. Ramon C. Cortines, who had occasionally appeared frustrated that the groups had not joined others in taking action to help the district with its budget crisis.
Under the plan, educators would have two extra paid, student-free professional development days next year.
Officials said they expect members of the unions to approve the shortened school years, particularly since they will save jobs and the pay cut is temporary.
The district, along with others throughout the state, is reeling from one budget shortfall to another. Districts have laid off teachers and increased class sizes, and some are considering closing schools.
