Contact: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Megan VandenBos, 213-241-6388 March 11, 2025
L.A. School Board Stands in Opposition to Ongoing Threats
to Federal Education Funding
LOS ANGELES, March 11, 2025 – The Los Angeles Unified Board of Education today voiced its unanimous opposition to proposed federal cuts to crucial education and healthcare spending that would harm vulnerable students and families. The resolution, authored by Board Member Kelly Gonez, cited the devastating impact of the potential spending cuts currently contemplated in Congress and President Trump’s ongoing and planned efforts to weaponize and dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, causing direct harm to students of color, immigrant students, students with disabilities, and low-income students. All Board Members unanimously cosponsored the resolution.
“The Trump Administration and its allies in Congress are looking to decimate federal funding to schools, including cuts to school meals, MediCal, and education block grants,” Board Member Gonez said. “More threats are on the horizon due to Trump’s ongoing efforts to dismantle the Department of Education entirely. We will not stand by while this administration removes essential support for students. We will relentlessly fight these efforts and call on all legislators to take every measure to push back against this radical and cruel agenda.”
“Federal funding is not just about numbers on a budget sheet – it’s about ensuring every student has access to the resources, support, and opportunities they need to succeed inside and out of our classrooms,” Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. “Now more than ever, we must advocate for the investments that empower our schools, uplift our communities, and secure a brighter future for all learners. Los Angeles Unified will continue working with local, state, and federal partners to advocate against proposed cuts to funding for public education.”
“Cutting funding for the Education Department is one of the most counterproductive things we can do,” Board President Scott M. Schmerelson said. “By doing so, we limit our student's futures, destabilize our communities, and give up any hope for progress. It just doesn't make any sense.”
“Cutting federal funding for education is not just a financial decision; it’s a decision that threatens the futures of our most vulnerable students,” Board Vice President Dr. Rocío Rivas said. “We must ensure that all children—regardless of their socioeconomic status, language barriers, or disabilities—have the resources and support they need to learn, thrive, and succeed.”
“In these turbulent times, Los Angeles Unified School District stands firm in its commitment to providing safe environments to educate students and ensure they are ready for the world,” Board Member Sherlett Hendy Newbill said. “We fundamentally oppose any and all federal cuts that negatively impact the students of Los Angeles Unified School District.”
“Local school boards don’t always have a say in the decisions made in our higher levels of government,” Board Member Nick Melvoin said. “But no matter what, we will always use our voice and any mechanism available to advocate for the needs of our students—and this time is no exception. I am proud to co-sponsor this resolution demanding the preservation of Federal funding for critical programs that support the learning and wellbeing of our students and school communities.”
“It is critical that LAUSD continue to push our legislators in D.C. to oppose any cuts to public education,” Board Member Karla Griego said. “The suspension of these funds will impact our most vulnerable students in LAUSD—students with disabilities, low income, English Learners, and even our earliest learners. We must stand strong against any efforts to dismantle the public school system and the values it represents.”
“Education is the foundation of our nation’s future, and we must stand firm to protect the resources our most vulnerable students rely on,” Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin said. “I’m proud to co-sponsor this resolution and stand with my colleagues and our nation’s students in urging Congress to reject any attempt to undermine the success and well-being of our children and families.”
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