Discovery of Budget Shortfail Prompts L.A. Board To Postpone Contract Vote

By Peter Schmidt

The Los Angeles Unified School District has postponed ratification of its contract with district teachers following the discovery of a $150 million shortfall in the school system's budget.

On the advice of the district's chief financial officer, the school board postponed ratification of the contract from Feb 3 until Feb. 18 to give itself time to account for the unexpected deficit in the current year's budget.

The board's decision prompted Helen Bernstein, the president of the United Teachers of Los Angeles, to threaten a strike by teachers at the end of the current winter break. Classes are scheduled...