Superintendent Erwin Garcia said the financial turnaround required closing Washington Elementary School, reducing staffing and cutting department budgets.
Difficult budget decisions
The district eliminated 22 full-time equivalent positions tied to the school closure and reduced 55 additional elementary positions. Budgets across departments were trimmed, including a 10% cut to athletics.
Altogether, the changes saved approximately $8 million, allowing the district to balance its budget.
“It was absolutely difficult,” Garcia said. “No one goes to a board meeting telling you to close a school. People love their schools.”
Rather than leaving the Washington building vacant, the district converted it into the Washington Innovation Center. The facility now houses Early College High School and Opportunity School.
Dropouts decline, pathways expand
District officials said expanded academic and career pathways contributed to a decline in dropouts from 333 students to 140 over the past two years.
“The only way to get students to stay is to create pathways for them,” Garcia said.
The district nearly doubled the number of career certifications available to students, increasing offerings from 16 to 29. Programs include Federal Aviation Administration drone certification, cybersecurity and culinary arts. More than 1,200 certificates were awarded this year.
Academic gains
According to district data, academic performance has improved since 2022. K-8 reading proficiency increased from 52% to 61%, and math proficiency rose from 49% to 64%.
Advanced Placement enrollment increased from 1,473 students to 2,252, with nearly 80% scoring 3 or higher on exams.
Teacher pay increases
With the budget stabilized, the district increased beginning teacher salaries by 17.3%, from $42,720 to $50,100. Average pay raises ranged from 7% to 9%.
Future plans and challenges
The district continues to expand student support systems, including early literacy efforts, a Kinder Ready program for 4-year-olds and hiring its first dedicated truancy officer to address attendance concerns.
Garcia said the district is exploring expansion of health care career pathways in partnership with local medical providers and is considering acquiring a building near Lincoln Center to create additional classroom space.
