Layoffs Expected at South Gate Community Adult School

The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) is still trying to deal with with its almost $400 million deficit. Adult schools, which once feared their complete defunding, are now confident that some money will be allocated to their program. However, serious cuts are expected along with teacher layoffs.

“We are still looking at huge cuts,” said Elsa Madrid, principal of South Gate Community Adult School, who estimates that next year’s budget will be between 25 to 50 percent less than this year’s. “This will mean less teachers.” 

In fact, close to 10,000 preliminary pink slips were distributed to teachers through out the LAUSD this past March, according to 89.3 KPCC .

As of now, the LAUSD has yet to come through with its promise to fund its adult schools. Teachers and students at adult schools are still in limbo in regards to next year.

“Our teachers, as of today, do not have contracts for next year,” said Madrid. “We have not heard anything as to whether we will be getting money that was promised.”

Adult school’s have been referred to as, “second chance school’s,” by various educators and students. This is because they consider them places where adults can learn the skills that can allow them to better function in today’s competitive job market.

For immigrants, these schools can be very important, since they are at forefront of teaching English as second language. Thousands of non-English speaking parents attend adult schools, who can as a result better guide their children in  school. 

“I you stop educating the adults that come into this country, their children will have less of a chance,” said Madrid. 

This past March, Superintendent John Deasy, presented various budget scenarios that included some funding for adult schools, contingent upon concessions with the United Teachers of Los Angeles.

Last week, an arbitrator ruled in favor of one those concessions, which would allow the LAUSD to impose five days of furlough on its teachers.  This is a concession that would result in the saving of approximately $60 million, which could partially save the budgets of adult schools, according to 89.3 KPCC.

Madrid is confident that the promised funding will be provided for adult schools despite the lack of a written contract.

“I have faith that it will come through,” said Madrid, after referencing last week’s arbitration.  “Our superintendent is doing the best he can.” 

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