Millions spent on LAUSD consulting deals even with budget woes

The L.A. Daily News reports:

With Los Angeles Unified facing spending cuts of as much as a half-billion dollars amid a statewide budget crunch, the district is coming under renewed scrutiny for its nearly $175 million in consulting contracts with outside firms covering everything from legal help to improving student achievement.

The LAUSD has dozens of multiyear professional-services consulting deals that total $173 million, according to a document obtained by the Daily News.

While some of the contracts are designed to aid students and teachers in the classroom, others are for administrative and technology services that have prompted a review this week amid calls for greater oversight.

"How do we have so many consultants? Because they cost more than regular district employees," said Senior Deputy Superintendent Ray Cortines, who has requested a report on all district consulting contracts.

"We need to minimize that, lower it, and when we do, we have to go through procurement to get the best deal possible for the district. We, the administration and the board, have got to be stewards of the community's money."

A review of the contracts shows that the district has consulting services for dozens of professional-development programs, legal aid and help engaging parents to improve student achievement.

The Superintendent's Office has $4.7 million in outstanding consulting contracts, including a 14-month, $74,000 contract to provide monthly support for

You'll want to read the whole article.Enron probably wishes they were a government entity.