LA HABRA : School District Makes Cuts to Save Money

The La Habra City School District, haunted by the county fiscal crisis, has begun taking steps to save money.

School board members last week canceled 26 workshops and conferences for teachers, saving the district about $11,000. At least five other conferences that were scheduled to begin this month also were postponed. That move saves the district another $11,000 for now, officials said.

Despite the cancellations and postponements, school board members are hopeful that they will get back all the money the district invested in the county’s failed investment pool. The district has $13 million in the frozen pool and could lose up to 27% of the principal as well as receiving reduced interest payments, officials warned.

District officials called canceling the conferences, many of which were training workshops for beginning teachers, a “prudent and cautious” move.

The district has already postponed a $1.5-million expansion project at Las Lomas Elementary School. And more cuts may be considered if the county fails to give the district its money.

“Let’s get our ulcers in rhythm here,” Trustee Nancy S. Zinberg said, as the board prepared to tackle the district’s uncertain financial future. “I don’t see 100% of our investment (coming back). I just don’t see it happening.”

Board President Antonio Valle Jr. was more optimistic.

“We’ll have a good year regardless,” he said.