"Proposition 13's impact on schools"

Proposition 13 was a 1978 state ballot measure that would limit property taxes to one percent of the property's assessed value. Revenues were expected to decrease if Proposition 13 passed, resulting in the possibility of severe budget cuts. Stan Chambers reports from Le Conte Jr. High School on the budget uncertainties and possible drastic cutbacks the Los Angeles Unified School District might have to make in the near future. Board of Education member Bobbi Fiedler holds a press conference in which she presents the people of Los Angeles with "constructive alternatives" to the Board of Education's proposals. Howard Miller, president of the Los Angeles Board of Education, talks to reporters about trying to save public education in California, the ever-changing numbers coming from Sacramento, and the layoff notices recently sent to teachers. In another press conference, members of Public Educators of Los Angeles (PELA) call for the resignation of Superintendent William Johnson and Los Angeles Board of Education president Howard Miller, who were asked to look at the budget and have alternatives if needed, but chose only to fight Proposition 13. Also included is footage of students marching, carrying signs and chanting, "We need summer school."

Note:  The KTLA newsfilm collection at UCLA consists of cut and unedited stories, outtakes and fill footage, originally shot on 16mm reversal film stock with magnetic soundtrack. Some footage, particularly material not used for broadcast, may be without sound.