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Lawndale Elementary presents second interim budget showing multi‑year deficits; teachers, students urge board to reconsider cuts
Summary
District officials recommended a "positive" second interim certification while projecting deficits over the next three years driven by declining enrollment and rising personnel costs. Teachers, parents and students urged the board to cancel or rethink proposed staff reductions, warning of larger class sizes and harm to student supports.
Lawndale Elementary School District officials presented their second interim budget at the March 19 board meeting and recommended the board approve a "positive" certification while warning of multi‑year deficits driven by falling enrollment and rising personnel costs.
Assistant Superintendent of Business Dr. Howard Ho and Director of Budgeting Luis Diaz told trustees the second interim report captures revenues and expenditures through Jan. 31 and reflects updated CALPADS enrollment and state assumptions. Dr. Ho said the district’s enrollment was 4,255 students for 2025–26 and is projected to fall to 4,148 in 2026–27, a decline of more than 500 students since 2021–22. The report shows a projected deficit of $4.8 million for 2025–26, a $2.3 million deficit in 2026–27 (partly offset by one‑time funds), and a projected $6.0 million deficit for 2027–28.
"Revenues are flattening or declining due to declining enrollment, while expenditures — particularly salaries, benefits, pensions and special education costs — continue to increase," Dr. Ho said. Diaz detailed assumptions behind revenue and expenditure lines, including LCFF adjustments…
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