CERRITOS : ABC School District Told to Trim Budget

County education officials have ordered the ABC Unified School District to trim $2.3 million from its $69-million spending plan for the new school year.

In a letter to ABC officials last week, county schools Supt. Stuart E. Gothold said the district overestimated revenues from the state in a number of areas, including special and adult education. The county also rejected district plans to cut costs in computer services and worker’s compensation.

County officials said they are concerned about the school board’s reluctance to make budget cuts.

The board has defended a new teachers contract that increases salaries and reduces class sizes, but county officials have refused to approve the contract until the district can show that it can afford the increased costs.

“This board is in denial, and they’re going to have to face it in real budget cuts,” said Wes Bosson, a fiscal adviser assigned by the county to the district.

The board must submit a revised spending plan by Sept. 8. County officials eventually would impose budget cuts of their own if the board continues to submit unacceptable spending plans, Bosson said.

The ABC school board also has named Robert W. Purvis, former Simi Valley Unified School superintendent, to head the 20,600-student school system until a permanent school chief is selected. Purvis replaces Deputy Supt. Ira Toibin, who had served as interim superintendent after the board ousted Supt. Larry Lucas. Toibin resigned two weeks ago.