LAUSD Funding Crisis Cartoon - Education Budget Mismanagement #3838811 (License: Personal Use)

This satirical 2019 cartoon by David G. Brown depicts Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) leadership-Superintendent Austin Beutner, philanthropist Eli Broad, and charter advocate Jeanne De Vos-as parasitic worms feeding on the district’s resources. The apple labeled “LAUSD” is being hollowed out, while a student pleads for funding; a speech bubble states, “Sorry kid, we’re broke! Only almost 2 billion in reserve!” The image critiques perceived misallocation of public education funds amid systemic underfunding.

Used in op-eds, education policy blogs, and advocacy campaigns addressing LAUSD budget transparency, charter school expansion, and equity in public school funding; targets educators, parents, and policymakers seeking accountability.