Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) has experienced 171 theft and vandalism incidents since the start of the fall semester on August 12th. Officials from the district stated that this wave of crime has resulted in losses amounting to millions of dollars.
In the latest incident over the weekend, 24 classrooms at Wadsworth Avenue Elementary School in South Los Angeles were ransacked, marking the sixth break-in at the school since July. Surveillance footage shows overturned chairs, school supplies scattered on the floor, and learning equipment stolen or damaged. A total of 24 classrooms were breached.
LAUSD Superintendent Alberto Carvalho mentioned that the recent break-in incident at the school led to approximately $115,000 in damages; requiring the replacement of doors and locks throughout the system. The school is currently in the process of installing surveillance cameras. Carvalho noted that over 60% of LAUSD buildings are over 50 years old, with at least 10% being more than a century old.
Carvalho did not respond to requests for comments from Epoch Times.
LAUSD is the largest school district in California and the second-largest in the United States, second only to New York City. The California Department of Education lists its enrollment at around 530,000 students.
Carvalho revealed that during the fall semester of 2024, property in the district suffered vandalism and theft, including stolen catalytic converters from buses, theft of copper metals, and damage to air conditioning units.
He estimated that LAUSD has spent millions of dollars replacing stolen equipment and repairing damages, stating that “this means we have had to use general funds to pay for damage repairs or equipment replacement, funds that should have been invested in classrooms.”
Carvalho disclosed that the Los Angeles School Police Department (LASPD) is leading all investigations. “This ongoing situation must not become the new normal,” he said. “It is outrageous and must be stopped.”
The rise in campus crimes comes amidst budget cuts to the police department specifically responsible for campus patrols. In 2020, the Los Angeles Board of Education reduced funding for the Los Angeles School Police Department following the death of George Floyd.
The board slashed $25 million from the budget, a 35% decrease, which was then reallocated to hire staff to meet the needs of Black students and establish specialized teams to inspect school safety. Additionally, the board requested that the 460 officers from LASPD not enter campuses or wear uniforms until their roles were reassessed.
Cecily Myart-Cruz, President of the United Teachers Los Angeles, claimed in a statement at the time, “The board’s action is a critical first step in advancing the ‘police-free schools’ movement and a groundbreaking one in our movement to support Black Lives.”
Supporters of the budget cut cited a study from the University of California, Los Angeles, stating that LASPD officers disproportionately detain and charge Black students on campuses. Opponents of the funding reduction argued that police on campuses are trained to de-escalate tensions and protect campuses from threats like mass shootings.
In the recent election on November 5th, Los Angeles County voters approved Measure RR, the second bond issue for upgrading school campus safety in the LAUSD.
The measure required a 55% favorable vote to pass and garnered support from 68% of voters, planning to allocate $9 billion specifically for safety measures and campus improvements, including seismic safety and upgrades to accessible facilities. The bond project list includes upgrading or installing security systems, exterior lighting, safety alarms, video surveillance, and emergency communication enhancements.
Regarding the break-in theft incident at Wadsworth Avenue Elementary School, authorities urge anyone with information to contact LASPD or LAPD to provide tips.