Unintended Consequences for LAUSD Cuts

The Associated Administrators of Los Angeles found a way to demonstrate the value of adult education programs, and makes a strong case for the future viability of those programs in the midst of statewide budget cuts.

Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) efforts to close a budget gap caused by statewide cuts is jeopardizing the district’s Division of Adult and Career Education (DACE) programs. A state shortfall of $2.2 billion in December triggered a state total of $980 million in cuts, and LAUSD leadership is seeking Board approval to redirect tens of millions to offset shortfalls in the district’s General Fund.

The Associated Administrators of Los Angeles (AALA) addressed negative impacts that the elimination of DACE programs would have on the entire district, stressing that suspending educational opportunities for high school students, parents, and community members would, through several unintended consequences, actually increase financial stress on the General Fund.

According to the AALA, the district’s high school dropout rate is reduced by approximately 10 percent annually as dropouts enroll in Adult and Career Education courses, and therefore are not included in LAUSD’s dropout rate. DACE programs also benefit former dropouts -- approximately 1,500 in 2010-2011 -- further reducing the district’s dropout rate.

Adult and Career Education courses also benefit current high school students (88,200 in 2010-2011) who would otherwise fall behind their classmates, which prevents higher per-capita education costs from draining the General Fund in the future of those same students. This is also true for students who took courses at occupational centers and in DACE’s Regional Occupation Center (ROP), a career training initiative serving high school youth.

While it is clear that LAUSD is facing a serious budget problem, the elimination of DACE would negatively impact needy students district-wide and, in the AALA’s estimation, drive up long-term demands on the General Fund.

For more information and updates, please refer to the AALA’s website.