LOS ANGELES (June 23, 2026) – Today, the Los Angeles Unified Board of Education approved the District’s 2026–27 budget and Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP), marking an important step in ensuring continued support for students while addressing a challenging fiscal outlook.
“We are committed to making thoughtful, responsible decisions that protect our core mission of serving students,” Acting Superintendent Andrés E. Chait said. “While the financial outlook presents real challenges, we are addressing these challenges with a clear focus on protecting the programs and services that support student achievement and well-being.”
The adopted budget reflects the District’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and sustainability. Facing ongoing financial pressures, Los Angeles Unified is taking necessary and proactive steps to align spending with available resources while continuing to prioritize student learning and well-being.
Even amid financial pressures, Los Angeles Unified continues to see encouraging progress in student achievement, with gains in key academic indicators and a continued focus on improving outcomes for all students. The adopted budget reflects a balanced approach of maintaining investments in teaching and learning while aligning spending with available resources to ensure long-term stability.
The 2026–27 LCAP builds on this momentum, prioritizing equity, academic excellence, and whole-child supports. The District remains focused on expanding opportunities, strengthening instruction, and ensuring every student has access to high-quality, engaging learning experiences.
As part of its long-term strategy, the District will continue to advocate for increased state funding and pursue alternative revenue opportunities to better support students and schools.
Los Angeles Unified remains committed to transparency, collaboration, and delivering on its promise to provide every student with the opportunity to succeed—both now and into the future.
"When it comes to the budget, we must always approach with caution due to the financial situation we find ourselves in," said LAUSD Board President Scott M. Schmerelson. "I am confident that this budget will move us closer to our goal to close the financial gap we are in, while protecting important services and programs."
"The adoption of our budget and LCAP reflects our commitment to investing in students and ensuring every child has access to the opportunities and support they need to succeed," said Board Vice President Dr. Rocío Rivas.
“Adopting this year’s budget and Local Control and Accountability Plan required us to make difficult financial decisions in the face of significant fiscal challenges,” said Board Member Sherlett Hendy Newbill. “Even in a challenging fiscal environment, we remain committed to investing in the academic success and well-being of every student, advancing equity, and protecting essential services.”
“This budget reflects important investments in programs that support student success, including ongoing commitments to English Learners and high-need students, tutoring and expanded learning, and workforce compensation,” said Board Member Nick Melvoin. “At the same time, our financial outlook remains challenging, and the budgeting decisions we make today will affect our school communities in the future. As state and federal investments evolve, I look forward to continuing the work of supporting students, families, and employees, and strengthening the District's long-term fiscal stability.”
“Supporting this LCAP ensures that we continue to invest and align our LCFF resources in a manner that advances equity by prioritizing the most vulnerable students and targeting student groups with greatest needs,” said Board Member Karla Griego.
“As we make investments in our schools and programs through this year’s budget, I’m proud to support the incredible work of our educators and staff,” said Board Member Kelly Gonez. “Even amidst challenging financial constraints, there are opportunities for us to keep supporting our students, listening to our communities, and promoting equity.”
"Our responsibility to provide every student with a high-quality public education requires that we develop and approve a three-year budget that reflects our values and protects our fiscal sustainability. I am particularly proud that we maintained funding for our after-school programs and BSAP and concentrated our limited SENI dollars in our high- and highest-need schools," said Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin. "As we continue to face declining enrollment, rising operational costs, the elimination of federal COVID relief dollars and insufficient state funding, this budget is honest about the financial challenges ahead. At the same time, this Board is committed to seeking additional funding and prioritizing equitable investments wherever possible so we can collectively prepare all students for the college, career and life of their dreams."
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