I have written about our budget situation on several occasions and seldom have I shared any good news.  Today will be an exception. 

As some of you are aware, LACHSA has had a budget deficit for many years.  It should be noted that arts schools typically cost much more to operate than traditional schools because of the additional expenses related to arts programs.  For arts high schools there is a substantial gap in public funding--commonly referred to as the revenue limit, in California--and what is needed.  To fill this gap, arts schools need additional revenue.  Raising the necessary funds for the operation of our arts programs in order to fill this gap is the expressed mission of the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts Foundation or Arts High Foundation. 

For much of its history the cost of operating LACHSA has exceeded revenue--from all sources, public and private--which has resulted in deficits year after year.  It should be noted that public institutions like schools and school districts do not operate with budget imbalances.  In fact, for many years the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE)  has "balanced" these imbalances to the benefit of LACHSA's students and programs. 

Although these LACOE bailouts occurred year after year, this situation is wholly unsustainable and quite unusual for any public school.  As a result, my first directive from former superintendent Darline Robles when I assumed the principalship in August 2008 was to end these budget deficits.  I was given two years to do this. 

The last two years have been difficult for everyone as we have tried to balance our budget, while at the same time work to preserve essential programs.  Everyone in the LACHSA community has rallied to this.  Our arts chairs have accepted the challenge of continuing to create world-class arts programs with smaller budgets.  They have worked tirelessly, scoping out less expensive venues and reducing costs wherever possible.  Many of our chairs and with all of their responsibilities, have even taken on additional teaching to reduce expenditures. 

Our foundation, the Arts High Foundation continues to be our most important institutional partner.  This year, they will contribute more than $900K for our arts programs.  Even in these challenging times the Arts High Foundation has intensified its steadfast support of LACHSA.

In many ways  our most noteworthy support has come from our parent community.  In the 2009-2010 school year our parents contributed $105K.  This current year our parents have contributed nearly $300K with an additional $50K raised through our recent Walk for the Arts.  Every dime of this money goes directly towards our programs through the Arts High Foundation.  The LACHSA Parent Council is to be commended for its amazing efforts in contributing and raising these funds.

It speaks to the strength of the LACHSA community that when faced with difficulty we pull together.  Not only have we managed to preserve virtually all of our arts programs, but in many ways have become a stronger community in the process.  As a result of all of this, our current budget outlook portends a balanced budget for the first time in nearly two decades.

While the current budget situation looks good the future still remains uncertain.  You may know that our state lawmakers will be meeting this upcoming week to discuss plans to deal with California's enormous budget deficit.  We all know that our state's unprecedented budget situation is bleak with all options of how to deal unpleasant.  This includes the option of mid-year budget reductions.  Whatever outcomes emerge will inevitably have implications for LACHSA.  I will do my best to keep you informed along the way, but all of us at LACHSA remain committed to providing world-class programs for our students and managing our budget responsibly.

Sincerely,