Using up the last of its major pandemic aid, the Los Angeles Unified approved its $18.8 billion budget for the 2023-2024 academic year at its meeting Tuesday in keeping with its “strategic plan” to promote college and career readiness post-graduation.

As part of the budget, the district allocated more than $4 billion to decreasing class sizes, increasing employee compensation and bolstering student supports – ranging from psychologists to academic and college counselors.

Meanwhile, the budget does not anticipate employee layoffs and does not reduce literacy or numeracy supports or Student Equity Needs Index or Black Student Achievement Plan funding.

“As we confront the post-pandemic reality of reduced state and federal support, it must be said that our students deserve better,” said Board President Jackie Goldberg in a statement. “But I’m proud of the way this budget deploys the resources available to Los Angeles Unified, advancing our student-centered Strategic Plan with investments in innovative instruction and equitable facilities.” Mallika Seshadri, EdSource, June 21, 2023