The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) is grappling with significant financial challenges as student enrollment continues to decline. Over the past two decades, LAUSD has experienced a 44% drop in enrollment, which has not been matched by a similar reduction in campuses or staff. This discrepancy is creating financial strain for the nation’s second-largest school district, as fewer students result in reduced state and federal funding.
According to a report by the local nonprofit GPSN, the district has lost over 300,000 students since its peak enrollment 23 years ago. Despite this, the number of operating schools has declined by less than 5%. This mismatch has led to underutilized facilities and stretched resources. LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho has acknowledged the financial implications but has yet to fully address them.
The decline in enrollment is not unique to Los Angeles; it is a trend seen across California and the nation. Factors such as lower birth rates, declining immigration, and the high cost of living in Los Angeles contribute to this trend. Additionally, LAUSD’s budget woes are exacerbated by lavish spending, with the district adding over 17,000 non-teaching staff since 2012 despite declining enrollment…