An investigation prompted by whistle-blowers within Los Angeles Unified's school construction program found a series of irregularities in awarding $65 million in contracts, including authorizing work that exceeded pre-approved amounts by nearly 50 percent.

A confidential report by LAUSD's interim inspector general found the district's Facilities Department increased the $65 million in construction management contracts by

$31 million without getting school board approval; failed to slash total costs of new contracts by 20 percent as promised to save money; and hired subcontractors to do work after being specifically told not to do so.

The 54-page report obtained by the Daily News was expected to be discussed today by the school board in a