Ex-LAUSD Beutner Urges District to ‘Fix Its Mistake’ After Filing Lawsuit Over Art, Music Programs
Former Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Superintendent Austin Beutner is calling on the district to "recognize they made a mistake and work to fix it" after filing a lawsuit alleging the district misused millions in Proposition 28 funding meant to expand arts and music education.
Beutner’s Concerns
Beutner, who authored the statewide ballot measure, said on Wednesday that the district has yet to answer a fundamental question: Where are the additional teachers and classes Proposition 28 was supposed to fund? He expressed his concerns about the district’s handling of the funding, stating that they are not following the law and are instead using the money to pay existing staff for existing programs.
Background on Proposition 28
Proposition 28, overwhelmingly approved by California voters in November 2022, was designed to increase access to arts and music education by providing school districts with dedicated, ongoing state funding to hire arts teachers. The measure is expected to generate between $800 million and $1 billion annually, on top of existing school funding.
LAUSD’s Response
LAUSD has defended its use of the funding, saying it is following state guidance. In a statement, a district spokesperson said: "We have not been served with any lawsuit regarding Prop 28. That said, we have sought to clarify any misunderstandings regarding Prop 28 and we continue to follow implementation guidance as provided by the state of California to ensure that we are fully complying with the requirements of Prop 28." However, Beutner dismissed the response as vague, stating that the district refuses to answer the question of where the additional teachers and classes are.
The Lawsuit
The lawsuit, filed on February 10, 2025, by Beutner and eight student plaintiffs through their guardians, accuses LAUSD and Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho of misusing $76.7 million in Proposition 28 funding by using it to pay existing staff for existing art programs rather than hiring additional arts teachers and creating new art classes, as required by law.
Beutner’s Goals
Beutner hopes that the lawsuit will force the district to take corrective action and recognize the mistake made. He wants the district to put the money back in schools to start hiring teachers and making things right for students. He also warns that LAUSD’s handling of Prop 28 could set a dangerous precedent for other districts across California.
Conclusion
The lawsuit has sparked concerns about the district’s handling of the funding and its impact on arts and music education in LAUSD schools. Beutner’s efforts to hold the district accountable may lead to changes in the way the funding is used and a better outcome for students.
FAQs
- What is Proposition 28?
- Proposition 28 is a statewide ballot measure approved by California voters in November 2022, designed to increase access to arts and music education by providing school districts with dedicated, ongoing state funding to hire arts teachers.
- What is the lawsuit about?
- The lawsuit alleges that LAUSD misused $76.7 million in Proposition 28 funding by using it to pay existing staff for existing art programs rather than hiring additional arts teachers and creating new art classes, as required by law.
- What are the goals of the lawsuit?
- The lawsuit aims to hold LAUSD accountable for its handling of Prop 28 funding and to ensure that the district uses the funds as intended to benefit students, particularly in underserved communities.
