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Los Angeles County Office of Education approves LCAP but warns of multi‑year deficit and declining enrollment
Summary
The county office confirmed approval of the district’s Local Control and Accountability Plan and adopted budget for 2025–26, but its review letter warned of projected unrestricted general fund declines, enrollment losses and requested an updated fiscal stabilization plan by Dec. 5, 2025.
The Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) notified the Lawndale Elementary School District Board that it approved the district’s adopted Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) and adopted budget for fiscal year 2025–26, but raised concerns about multi‑year fiscal projections and declining enrollment.
Why it matters: LACOE approval allows the district to proceed with the adopted plan and budget, but the county’s letter urged the district to take corrective actions to address projected fund‑balance erosion and lower average daily attendance (ADA), which could affect staffing and facilities planning.
Superintendent Castro read a letter from LACOE stating the county had completed its review and determined the district’s LCAP “meets all the criteria and is approved.” The letter cites compliance with the State Board of Education template and expenditure regulations.
The county letter also raised fiscal concerns and requested additional action. It said the district’s unrestricted general fund balance is projected to decline by approximately $19,180,000 (88.2%) over three years if no corrective actions are taken. The letter asked the district to provide an updated fiscal stabilization plan with the first interim report due to the county on Dec. 5, 2025.
LACOE recommended careful monitoring of enrollment and attendance trends and updating financial projections accordingly. The letter said continued declines in enrollment and attendance “will result in a loss of revenue for the District in future years” and recommended assessing staffing and facilities planning to reflect projected declines.
The county letter identified specific review criteria and referenced Education Code provisions as read into the record by the superintendent. The board moved to accept and file the LACOE correspondence: Trustee Anne Phillips moved, Trustee Adi Morales seconded, and the board recorded a hand vote of 3–0 in favor.
Ending: The board accepted the LACOE correspondence and will be required to submit a fiscal stabilization update with its December interim report as directed by the county office.
