LAUSD Families Brace for Potential School Closures Amid Union Strikes

Uncertainty looms as three unions, including teachers and administrators, threaten to walk out together if a deal is not reached.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 11:10pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeating grid of a single iconic school supply item, such as a backpack or pencil, rendered in vibrant neon hues and heavy black outlines to capture the energy and emotion of the LAUSD labor dispute.As tensions rise over the potential LAUSD strike, a bold pop art representation of the everyday school supplies at the heart of the debate.Los Angeles Today

Families across the Los Angeles Unified School District are anxiously awaiting word on whether schools will be closed on Tuesday, April 14, as three unions, including teachers and administrators, threaten to go on strike if a deal is not reached. Many parents are scrambling to arrange childcare and worry about how a prolonged walkout will impact their children, especially those with disabilities who rely on consistent routines and support.

Why it matters

The potential LAUSD strike highlights the ongoing tensions between the district, unions, and families over issues like wages, working conditions, and investment in public education. A shutdown would disrupt the delicate balance of work, school, and family schedules for thousands of low-income families who rely on schools for meals and childcare.

The details

Two of the unions, representing teachers and administrators, reached tentative agreements over the weekend. However, Local 99 of the Service Employees International Union, which represents some of the district's lowest-paid employees, had not settled as of Monday afternoon. In solidarity, all three unions have pledged to walk out together if any one of them does not make a deal. The district has posted lists of food distribution sites and community-based 'child supervision' sites, but has acknowledged they cannot accommodate children with moderate to severe disabilities or those younger than 4.

  • On Monday afternoon, SEIU Local 99 said in a Facebook post that the district 'is still hoping we won't show up. But we've organized. We've built unity. And we're ready. Tomorrow, WE WALK.'
  • The potential strike is set for Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

The players

LAUSD

The Los Angeles Unified School District, the second-largest school district in the nation.

SEIU Local 99

A union representing some of the district's lowest-paid employees, including special education aides.

Tania Rivera

A mother of two children with disabilities who is deeply concerned about the impact of a potential strike on her family.

Ariel Harman-Holmes

A disability rights attorney with three children, all with disabilities, in LAUSD schools.

Jaime Alvarez

An 11th grader at Thomas Jefferson High School who walked out to protest the district's spending priorities.

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What they’re saying

“I'm really anxious. We support the teachers, and we have similar concerns. We need more aides at school. But the impact for our kids is big. Families need to be part of this conversation.”

— Tania Rivera, Mother of two children with disabilities

“Really, the issue is systemic under-investment.”

— Ariel Harman-Holmes, Disability rights attorney

“The district is spending money in the wrong places, including AI. We want better salaries for our teachers and better programs for our students.”

— Jaime Alvarez, 11th grader at Thomas Jefferson High School

What’s next

The district and unions will continue negotiations on Monday evening, with a decision expected on whether schools will be closed on Tuesday, April 14.

The takeaway

The potential LAUSD strike highlights the ongoing challenges facing public education, with unions fighting for better wages and working conditions, and families, especially those with children with disabilities, bracing for the disruption a walkout would cause. The situation underscores the need for greater investment and collaboration to support students and their communities.