Proposed Cut in Teachers’ Pay

Re “L.A. District to Propose 14% Pay Cut For Teachers” (July 25):

That state funding is inadequate to meet the current needs of L.A. Unified cannot be denied. That significant “unrestricted” federal-dollar input is needed also cannot be denied.

Nevertheless and once again, the omnipotent L.A. Board of Education and district administrative hierarchy conclude that equity in the face of crisis means that teachers must financially subsidize the district; in point of fact, not a new tactic.

Leticia Quezada was questioned on a recent cable newscast regarding how many district employees earn $90,000-$100,000-plus annually. Her response was typical and predictable, and still inadequate. Additionally, she chose not to discuss the many layers of bureaucratic waste that continue year after year while teachers desperately call for textbooks and basic supplies.

Would Quezada, et al., be willing to place some personal-agenda priorities and pet programs costing tens of millions annually on the back burner until state resources rebound? Highly doubtful.

FRED ZUSMAN, Los Angeles