A STRONG START TO THE 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
WELCOME BACK, A and E BASIS School Support Administrators and Principals!
I hope you had an opportunity to rest, recharge, and spend quality time with family and friends. While I know the work never truly ends and there is much to prepare for as we open the 2026–27 school year, your commitment, dedication, and steadfast leadership will once again be the key to a successful start. As your proud Union President, I remain committed to addressing the issues and concerns that impact our members every day.
Many of you are aware that Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools Debra Duardo recently sent a letter to the District (insert link here) determining that LAUSD meets the criteria for a “Lack of Going Concern“ designation. In her letter, Dr. Duardo cites the Board‘s June 16, 2026, ratification of labor agreements as a primary factor in this determination.
Unfortunately, this letter has created unnecessary anxiety throughout our school communities by suggesting that our hard-earned salary increases are responsible for the District‘s challenging financial outlook. I find this characterization both unfair and unnecessary. It unfairly places blame on the very employees who dedicate themselves every day to serving students and families.
AALA/Teamsters stood shoulder to shoulder with UTLA and SEIU Local 99 to secure the well-earned raises and improved working conditions our members deserve. Since the County‘s letter was released, public criticism has intensified, with many repeating the narrative that employee raises caused the District‘s fiscal crisis.
Let me be perfectly clear: the District‘s financial challenges are not our fault.
The reality is that declining enrollment, rising operating costs, the expiration of federal COVID-19 relief funding, uncertainty surrounding federal education policies, and the impacts of immigration enforcement activities have all placed significant strain on the District‘s General Fund. These are the primary factors driving the District‘s financial situation—not the collective bargaining agreements that fairly compensate the professionals who keep our schools running.
I was encouraged to see the District‘s July 8, 2026, response to the County (https://bit.ly/3RHlA03), which reaffirmed that this designation will not change its commitment to students, families, or employees. I share Superintendent Chait‘s confidence because I know you will never waver in your commitment to providing outstanding educational opportunities in every school and office.
While we recognize the District faces serious fiscal challenges, those challenges stem from broader state and federal funding issues—not from the contracts our members fought hard to achieve. Most importantly, the District has confirmed that your negotiated retroactive pay and salary increases remain on schedule and will be reflected in the September 5, 2026, paycheck.
Our labor coalition remains united in working with the District, the County, the State, and other stakeholders to identify long-term solutions that strengthen public education funding. I am also pleased to report that AALA/Teamsters Local 2010 has been appointed to the task force supporting Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin‘s resolution, “Public Schools Over Private Loopholes: Working Together for the Revenue Our Students Deserve.“ This important resolution calls for urgent state-level action to increase funding for California‘s public schools.
We recognize that additional budget reductions and organizational restructuring may lie ahead. This is the reality facing districts across California—not just LAUSD. School systems throughout the state are confronting similar financial pressures and searching for sustainable revenue solutions. Our labor coalition is actively advocating in Sacramento for policies that provide the funding our students deserve and our schools need. We will continue lobbying, organizing, and standing together to ensure public education remains a state priority.
Our united labor coalition—and the solidarity we demonstrated during contract negotiations—was historic. Together, we showed the District that when labor organizations stand together, our collective voice is stronger than ever.
We are proud of what we accomplished, and we stand ready for whatever comes next.
In Solidarity,
Maria
