History of IDEA
Jeannie Oakes, Founder and Former Director
Youth Voice in School Finance
NEW REPORT: Los Angeles' road to A-G for all
Without Dollars and Sense Powerpoint
Past Educational Opportunity Reports
LAUSD fees make neighborhood groups scramble for space
- 08-30-2010
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By Tony Castro/LA Daily News
Neighborhood groups and local nonprofits have been stunned to learn recently that because of Los Angeles Unified's budget woes, they will be charged hundreds of dollars to use school facilities that had previously been available for free. Although school district officials announced the fee hikes in February, many representatives of Neighborhood Watch groups, neighborhood councils and others using school facilities only became aware of the charges this summer. The fees will also apply to nonprofit youth sports groups using LAUSD's fields, gyms and stadiums. The rate hike was intended to help LAUSD close a $640 million budget deficit exacerbated by the state's mounting financial crisis – one which also led to teacher layoffs, summer school cancellations and a shorter school year. "Sadly we have no other choice," Superintendent Ramon C. Cortines said in a statement. "Unfortunately, the district can no longer afford to underwrite these expenses." Providing school facilities to adult and youth groups, officials said, costs the district $1.5 million per year, including administration, supervision, building and maintenance needs and supplies. (more…)
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