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Tuesday, March 13, 2012

L.A. Unified board to vote on proposed school cuts - latimes.com

L.A. Unified board to vote on proposed school cuts - latimes.com:


L.A. Unified board to vote on proposed school cuts

The Los Angeles Board of Education is expected to vote Tuesday on a worst-case $6-billion budget that would eliminate thousands of jobs, close all of the district's adult schools and eliminate some after-school and arts programs, among a slew of other reductions.
The budget plan could change, and even if it is approved by the school board, a final version of the budget most likely is months away. But the nation's second-largest school system is under pressure to pare more than $390 million from the budget for next year.
Supporters of the programs up for elimination are expected to rally outside of Los Angeles Unified School District’s downtown headquarters ahead of the afternoon meeting.
Last month, the board delayed a vote on a budget plan with similar cuts aimed at bridging a $557-million budget gap. Instead, the board directed Supt. John Deasy to work with his staff and the unions for teachers and other


L.A school board considers faster firings for sexual misconduct

The Los Angeles Board of Education is scheduled to vote Tuesday on proposals that could make it easier to fire employees accused of misconduct and to inform parents about them. But some of the board's plans would need the approval of the state Legislature or voters.
The proposals, by board president Moncia Garcia and board members Tamar Galatzan and Nury Martinez, were prompted by the attention focused on sexual misconduct after the January arrest of former teacher Mark Berndt, who worked at Miramonte Elementary School in Florence-Firestone. He is accused of photographing students blindfolded and being spoon-fed his semen as part of what he allegedly called a “tasting game.” Berndt has pleaded not guilty to 23 counts of lewd conduct.
Berndt was able to resign and negotiate a settlement of $40,000 for back pay and health insurance costs after