March 22, 2011

Assemblyman Steven Bradford Tel: (310) 412-6400 Fax: (310) 412-6354

Senator Roderick Wright Tel: (310) 412-0393 Fax: (310) 412-0996

DearAssemblyman Bradford and Senator Wright:

As my elected representatives, I am writing to notify you of the “doomsday” budget the Los
Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Board of Education is facing because of the state
budget cuts to education. I say “doomsday” because my child’s school is really feeling the
impacts at our campus. At Kentwood Elementary, we are expected to lose two teachers, the
Music Program (vocal and orchestra), our Library Aide, Youth Services After-School Program,
and reduce Clerical Staff, Nurse’s time, Psychologist’s time, and the Arts Program. Two years
ago we lost four teachers during the first rounds of layoffs.

Over the last three budget cycles, our schools have borne the brunt of statewide spending
reductions. California continues to severely under-fund education with an estimated $18 billion
in cuts since 2007, and LAUSD has managed to keep the cuts as far from the classroom
through very difficult decisions.

* Delaying textbook adoptions

* Reducing leases and consolidating staff locations
* Cutting summer school for most students
* Increasing class sizes
* Shortening the school year
* Reducing 5,000 employee positions
* Negotiating with employees to take 12 furlough (unpaid) days

With all of this effort and sacrifice, the District still faces a $408 million deficit in 2011-
2012 unless you and your fellow lawmakers vote to support the Governor’s revenue
extension proposal.

Without this extension, funding for schools would fall by more than $2 Billion, or more than
$335 per student. If this initiative makes it to the June ballot, the LAUSD could reduce
its deficit by $183 million.

We need you to support our students and schools. The Governor’s balanced budget proposal is
one that really prioritizes education. It acknowledges the disproportionate cuts education has
taken during the economic downturn. It is now time to reverse that trend, solve the deficit and
more importantly, reinvest in our students. Please help your constituents by supporting our
constitutional right to exercise our voice on a temporary revenue extension in the June special
election. Your support will be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,