As many of you know, LACHSA has operated with a deficit for many years and with the 2009-10 school budget I had begun the difficult task of bringing our school's budget into balance in a responsible way and over a period of two years. Circumstances have now changed.
Current economic downturns, decline in state revenues, and deferral of monthly state apportionments have severely impacted the viability of the county office. This fiscal crisis has made it imperative that LACOE not only monitor cash flow on a daily basis, but take immediate action to avoid any budget overruns or potential deficits.
As of December 4th, 2009, I have been directed to immediately bring LACHSA's operational budget into balance. Because LACHSA's revenue funds largely the academic program, reductions to the arts programs will be forthcoming for the remainder of the 2009-10 school year.
I have conveyed this information to the arts chairs and will immediately begin the process of prioritizing elements of the arts programs. This means that preserving all teaching artists will be our first priority so that students' day-to-day experiences in the classroom will in no way be compromised.
This will be a difficult time for us as it is for many in the state of California. I am committed to preserving the excellence that has defined LACHSA throughout the past twenty-five years. I know that many of our students may take this particularly hard and I want to ensure that they have an opportunity to process this with my full support. I have scheduled meetings with the entire students body to discuss this.
Many of you may also have questions and additional concerns about this. I will be working closely with the Parent Council as we move forward and I encourage you to engage with this important body. I will address this in more detail at our parent council meeting tonight at 6:30 p.m. In addition, please do not hesitate to contact me at simpson_george@lacoe.edu with your questions or concerns.
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