EDUCATION WATCH : Crash Course

There are lots of abstract reasons to oppose an $88-million temporary state bailout of the Los Angeles Unified School District. But more than 600,000 flesh-and-blood reasons--that is, students in Los Angeles public schools--prompt us to support AB 191.

The measure, by Assemblyman Dave Elder (D-San Pedro), would allow the Los Angeles school district to postpone paying a 8.25% employer contribution to the State Teachers Retirement System for six months, from January to June, 1992. After that, the district would contribute at the standard 8.25% rate for six months, then start paying into the fund at the rate of 8.5% for 20 years. The formula has been carefully designed, Elder said, to shield the fund from jeopardy.

The bill has the support of both the teachers union and district officials, who say that a top priority for the money would be to restore some of the cuts of programs and 1,900 teaching positions made earlier this year.

The bill, which also would aid San Francisco Unified, already has passed in the Legislature. Now it’s up to Gov. Pete Wilson.

Opponents have denounced the bill as setting a bad precedent. But the precedent has already been set. The state itself has deferred payment to the State Teachers Retirement System, through a bill signed by Gov. George Deukmejian last year and then extended by Gov. Wilson. The Legislature and the two governors acted for a greater good--to cope with tough budget realities.

Wilson should sign AB 191--for a greater good again: the schoolchildren.