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LAUSD should cut failing DEI programs — not charter school funding
LA Unified School District plans to cut $10 million a year from 42 charter schools while facing a reported $3.6 billion deficit. The opinion article argues that this choice could weaken schools that some families rely on and worsen declining enrolment.
The article says the affected schools use the funding for staff and programmes, and argues that charter schools offer families an alternative to struggling district schools. It contrasts the cuts with the board’s decision to preserve $100 million for the Black Student Achievement Plan, which is under investigation by the US Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights over alleged racial discrimination. The piece argues LAUSD should redirect that funding to charter schools instead.
In short
- LAUSD plans annual cuts of $10 million to 42 charter schools.
- The district faces a reported $3.6 billion deficit.
- The article argues funding should shift from BSAP to charter schools.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of cutting charter funding could argue that a large deficit requires difficult savings and that the district must prioritise its own schools and responsibilities to all pupils. They may question whether charter schools should retain district funding while operating with greater independence, and argue that programmes aimed at addressing barriers to Black pupils’ achievement serve an important equity goal, though allegations about the plan warrant scrutiny.
The case against
Opponents could argue that removing $10 million from 42 charter schools risks cutting staff and programmes that families depend on, and may further weaken enrolment and educational choice. They may also contend that, amid a severe deficit, preserving $100 million for a programme under federal civil-rights investigation deserves review, and that funding should be directed towards schools where it can best support pupils.
Explained simply
The Los Angeles Unified School District, known as LAUSD, runs public schools across Los Angeles. Charter schools are also publicly funded, but operate with more independence than district-run schools; families may choose them as an alternative, and they remain accountable under their charter agreements.
LAUSD is reported to face a large budget deficit and plans to reduce annual funding for 42 charter schools. The proposed cuts matter because schools may use that money for staff and programmes, while changes to funding can affect the choices available to families.
The district has also set aside money for its Black Student Achievement Plan, which aims to support Black pupils. The US Department of Education’s civil rights office is investigating allegations that the plan discriminates on racial grounds; an investigation is not a finding that discrimination occurred.