Overview
- Tuesday at the district’s Opening of Schools address, Superintendent Andrés Chait announced preliminary three-year gains on state tests with about 48.3% meeting standards in English, 39.7% in math, and 32.1% in science.
- The Los Angeles County Office of Education warned the district could run a $3.585 billion deficit by June 30, 2029 and has appointed a fiscal expert who could be followed by a fiscal advisor with veto power over spending.
- The LAUSD board approved a $20.6 billion budget for 2026–27 but drew county ire after reversing some planned layoffs, a move county officials say weakened confidence in the district’s fiscal plan.
- Chait and district leaders say they are prepared to cut thousands of jobs to balance the books but have postponed many reductions until next year in hopes of higher state revenues, putting staff and school programs at risk.
- District officials reported better School Experience Survey results showing students feel safer and more connected, and the fiscal stress follows a leadership change in June after FBI searches in February involving former superintendent Alberto Carvalho who has not been charged.