04/26/2024

L.A. Unified rushed to rebuild cafeterias, then fought for years to recoup excess costs

The Los Angeles Unified School District’s $37-million Cafe L.A. project at first seemed like a stunning success.

In 18 months, 64 school cafeterias were gutted and transformed so that students could be served faster — and with healthier options.

Then the district’s auditors looked at the books. They concluded the construction came at a high cost.

The three companies that had done the work had overcharged for equipment and services, charged for equipment that was never purchased and used less expensive materials than they had said they would, the auditors said.

The school district sued, launching nearly six years of litigation, which was not publicized by any of the parties involved.

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