Topic
Los Angeles Unified
October 2, 2019
LA Unified approves spending plan despite complaint about serving high-needs students
The school board voted on an amended version of the spending plan, which was updated after a complaint was brought against the district.
Michael Burke
July 12, 2019
New charter schools to open this fall despite efforts to curb growth
Four charter schools will open after each was initially denied by its local school board, forcing the schools to turn to county boards.
Michael Burke
June 11, 2019
Statewide messages in aftermath of LA parcel tax’s defeat
The failure of Measure EE underscores how hard it is to capture a two-thirds majority needed for approval of a parcel tax and the challenges ahead to pass a 'split-roll' initiative to raise businesses' property taxes.
John Fensterwald
June 5, 2019
Los Angeles voters decisively reject parcel tax that would have raised $500 million annually for schools
In major setback for efforts to salvage LA Unified's finances, Measure EE fails to get even half of voters' support, falling far short of the two-thirds threshold needed for victory.
Michael Burke
June 3, 2019
To pass parcel tax, Los Angeles Unified will need to break with history
Only about 1 in 8 districts in California have ever passed a parcel tax. Most of those districts don't have much in common with LAUSD.
Michael Burke
April 1, 2019
With business groups allied against it, L.A. parcel tax faces big hurdle
The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, the Valley Industry and Commerce Association and the L.A. County Business Federation criticize the district in their ballot statement and plan a $4 million campaign to defeat Measure EE on June 4 ballot.
John Fensterwald
March 17, 2019
Push underway to lower the barrier for school districts to pass a parcel tax
If the Legislature agrees, voters in November 2020 will consider lowering the threshold for approval from two-thirds to 55 percent.
John Fensterwald
February 21, 2019
California charter schools facing new oversight under fast track legislation
Senate Bill 126, which was passed in the Senate Feb. 21, would require that California charter school boards comply with the same open meeting, conflict-of-interest and disclosure laws as district school boards, including holding public board meetings, opening records to the public upon request and ensuring board members don’t have a financial interest in contracts on which they vote.
Diana Lambert
February 5, 2019
Gov. Newsom asks to review impact of California charter schools on district finances
United Teachers of Los Angeles questions the need for the panel, and says an "immediate cap" on charter schools is "urgently necessary."
Louis Freedberg And Mikhail Zinshteyn
January 30, 2019
LA Unified, teachers still face challenges over contract and charter school moratorium
L.A. Unified's school board and UTLA have ratified a contract, but L.A. County Superintendent Debra Duardo is skeptical the district can pay for its promises, and the Legislature may not agree to a charter school moratorium.
John Fensterwald
January 24, 2019
Outcome of Los Angeles teachers' strike crucial for labor movement nationally
Show of strength by United Teachers Los Angeles despite efforts to weaken it by depriving it of union fees.
Louis Freedberg
January 17, 2019
County oversight will add wrinkle to LA Unified's teacher contract talks
School districts are required to maintain a minimum level of reserves, or county offices of education will intervene.
John Fensterwald
December 20, 2018
Los Angeles teachers plan to strike Jan. 10, union says
After fact finder agrees with district's salary offer, union accuses district of failing to bargain in good faith and refuses further talks.
Theresa Harrington
July 23, 2018
L.A. school board member resigns after pleading guilty to campaign money laundering
Ref Rodriguez's resignation ends the charter-backed majority on the Los Angeles Unified school board. Replacement plans are uncertain.