Cortines lauds Obama budget as big help for LA Unified needs
LA School Report | February 2, 2015
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President Obama at the Community Children’s Center in Kansas, Jan. 22, 2015. (White House photo by Pete Souza)
LA Unified Superintendent Ramon Cortines said today President Obama’s proposed 2016 budget would provided strong benefits for the district if approved by Congress.
At stake: $1 billion increase for Title I, which supports schools with a high percentage of low-income students and a $3 billion investment in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math instruction, plus additional support to help English language learners and strengthen teachers.
“We applaud the President’s recognition of the need for more education funding in critical areas like science, technology, engineering and math and additional support for ELL and the needs of our Special Education students,” Cortines said in a press release from the district. “Additional funds in these areas not only allow for new and expanded programs, but also recognize the federal commitment to our Special Education students.
“In the specific case of L.A. Unified, these dollars can also help mitigate some staffing reductions anticipated due to declining enrollment. We can redirect Math teachers into STEM magnets or maintain more counselors to work with our English learner students. Expanding these programs and saving these jobs are in the best interest of increasing academic achievement.”