Community Groups Call For LAUSD To Spend $1B On Poorest Students

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A coalition of Southland community groups was expected Tuesday to deliver thousands of petitions to the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) board demanding that $1 billion in state funding over the next seven years be used to help low income students, English learners and foster youth.

About 100 parents, teachers and other supporters were expected to rally at LAUSD headquarters in downtown L.A. to present over 5,000 signatures to the Board of Education meeting.

Coalition members are calling for about $50 million in spending for foster care services and $25 million for English language instruction and other services for low-income youth in addition to other spending, according to reports.

LAUSD officials are expected to unveil its spending plan sometime in April, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Superintendent John Deasy told KNX 1070's Brian Ping his upcoming budget plan will address many of the group's concerns.

"Those who have historically had the least are really to get the most, and that's exactly how my proposed budget when it comes out next week will be crafted," Deasy said.

The funding will be provided to the district over an 8-year stretch, officials said.