Black v. Board of Trustees

During the 1992-1993 school year, nine teachers of adult education in the Compton Unified School District (the District) had their hours reduced by approximately 6 to 18 percent as a result of a budget crisis. They filed this action, seeking a writ of mandate to restore the lost hours and to recover back wages. The trial court denied the petition. We affirm.

Background

In 1993, the District was experiencing severe fiscal problems and became insolvent. In response, the Legislature enacted urgency legislation, making an appropriation to the District of $10.5 million and transferring operational control of the District from its governing board to a state-appointed administrator. (Stats. 1993, ch. 78, §§ 1, 5.)

Under the supervision of the state administrator, the District implemented several cost-cutting measures, including layoffs of teachers, the consolidation and elimination of administrative positions, and salary reductions for administrative employees and teachers.

The District’s adult school program was also affected by the budgetary crisis. The adult school is financed through student enrollment, and expenses must be consistent with average daily attendance. For…