MGT was contracted by the United Teachers of Los Angeles (UTLA) to analyze the financial impact charter schools have on the Los Angeles Unified School District (LA USD). The client wanted to use this information to understand how charter schools impact operational budgets and develop a cost analysis model that could be used to make decisions regarding future charter schools.
Our analysis focused on program and financial issues by reviewing documents provided by LA USD and the California Department of Education. We also conducted structured interviews with LA USD staff, including school board members, senior staff, charter school division staff, and instructional staff (including curriculum, special education, English Language Learners, and Title I).
The team presented 12 findings at a regular board meeting. Findings addressed state-wide issues, district-based decisions, and a fiscal impact that stemmed from the contract with UTLA and the district.
