LAUSD board approves plan that could lead to major layoffs

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education Tuesday voted 4-3 in favor of a proposal that could lead to mass layoffs.

The "reduction in force" vote authorizes layoff notices to be sent to more than 3,200 employees by March 15. The action could reduce hours for more than 50 positions and reduce pay for more than 20 positions.

These positions include, but are not limited to, jobs in IT, transportation and groundskeeping. Teachers and counselors are not under consideration in the proposal.

LAUSD has been grappling with declining enrollment and a major budget deficit. Approval of the proposal would save the district about $250 million, according to the district's meeting materials.

Unions leaders say cutting jobs would directly impact students.

"Students need support. Schools need support. What are you going to do? Subcontract?" one union leader said at the meeting when discussing potential IT job cuts.

LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho said delaying action would only exacerbate the problem.

"Today, our district is advancing a plan - a plan that is a last option, one plan that no one wants to advance, but a plan that that this district over years has brought to boards, time and time again," Carvalho said at the meeting. "The difference is that today's plan and board report prioritizes reductions in central office operations and centrally funded accounts in order to protect school sites."

A final vote is set to happen later this month.