LAUSD Get More Funding Than Expected

The process of awarding increased funding for under performing schools to reduce their class sizes is progressing. It looks like good news for the LAUSD, which had expected to receive funding for 80 local schools. "Instead, the actual number is likely to be 86 to 93 campuses." LAT:

The money is part of a $3-billion settlement to a lawsuit filed against Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger by the California Teachers Assn. and state Supt. of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell. They had alleged that Schwarzenegger broke an agreement, made early in his administration, to fully fund public schools.

All parties agreed that the settlement money should be used to reduce class sizes and increase the number of counselors at California's lowest performing schools.

To increase the amount of dollars for each school, they also decided to fund about one-third of the 1,455 eligible schools. Doing the math, local officials figured they would receive money for about 80 schools.

The outcome was a combination of the successful push by officials to get all but two eligible schools to apply. Over 60% of those who applied were not likely to be chosen, but they "boosted the LAUSD's spots in the lottery." They were also aided by 195 schools in other parts of the state who failed to apply. The end result is an unexpected windfall for a few more schools.

The impacts of the 2005 Special Election continue to be felt. This time it is more students in LA having smaller classes. Good stuff.