As Financial Advisers Warn About Trimming Payroll, Los Angeles Schools Keep Hiring Thousands More
As Financial Advisers Warn About Trimming Payroll, Los Angeles Schools Keep Hiring Thousands More
This article was originally published on LA School Report, our partner site.
School officials in the Los Angeles Unified School District frequently express concern over the loss of students each year, while the number of employees continues to grow.
In the past two years, the number of school district employees has increased by over 600, rising from 59,563 in the 2014-2015 school year to 60,191 in the 2016-2017 school year. The final count of new hires will be available after the district’s Norm Day on September 16.
However, last fall, an Independent Financial Review Panel recommended a reduction of approximately 10,000 staff members, including administrators and classified and certificated personnel, in order for the district to save half a billion dollars annually. The district is currently facing a severe budget crisis.
Superintendent Michelle King and school board President Steve Zimmer have expressed the need to hire more employees, both to meet future expected shortages and to make up for the cuts made during the last recession under the John Deasy administration. Despite this, many schools still struggle with overcrowded classrooms and cuts in janitorial and support staff.
Just before the start of the school year, Superintendent King took a photo with newly hired teachers and shared it on her district Twitter account, welcoming them to the family. She also noted that the district is providing more teachers at high-needs middle and high schools to improve academic achievement levels.
During the past school year, Superintendent King mentioned in her informative meetings that the generous health benefits package and the number of employees contribute significantly to the district’s financial drain. Therefore, quick action is needed to maintain solvency.
However, last week, the school board approved the hiring of 1,632 additional employees, both classified and certificated, as well as 537 new hires, mainly teachers and counselors. The district has witnessed a decrease in the number of teachers over the past year, but there has been significant growth in K-12 administrators, nurses, counselors, and psychologists.
Zimmer has expressed concern about the lack of necessary academic counselors for students in the coming years and has encouraged the superintendent to inform nearby colleges and universities about job opportunities in that field.
According to Chief Academic Officer Frances Gipson, the additional teachers will contribute to reducing class sizes and expanding elective opportunities in middle and high schools. They will help replenish the loss of classes in the arts, robotics, physical education, and leadership courses.
On the district’s employment site, there are various non-classified job opportunities listed, ranging from carpenters to sign language interpreters. An accounting position listed can offer a salary of $111,000 per year.
In the last five years, there has been a 22 percent increase in administrative staff, much to the surprise of school board members. In the superintendent’s report, it was revealed that the number of teachers had decreased by 9 percent during the same period. Additionally, many teachers and certified staff members are approaching retirement age, potentially leading to a shortage of teachers in the future.
Superintendent King has stated that she will outline her cost-saving measures to the school board later in the year.
