LAUSD Sued Over Arts Fund Misuse Allegations

The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho are facing a lawsuit filed by former Superintendent Austin Beutner and eight families, alleging the misuse of $76.7 million in Proposition 28 funds intended for expanding arts and music education. The lawsuit claims that LAUSD used the funds to cover existing expenses rather than hiring new arts teachers as required by the law, resulting in a lack of arts education for many students. The plaintiffs argue that this misuse has deprived students of essential skills for their education and future careers. LAUSD has responded by stating they have not been officially served with the lawsuit but maintain they are complying with the law under state guidance. Unions representing LAUSD's workforce, including United Teachers Los Angeles, support the lawsuit, which has also alleged that the district falsely certified proper use of the funds to the state. Proposition 28, passed by voters to address declining arts education, was expected to significantly increase the hiring of arts teachers, especially in underserved communities.