$578 Million Public School?

$578 Million for a Public School Facility? 

What!?!

So, I'm reading this article this morning about the Los Angeles Unified School District and its brand new facility that cost $578M.  That's $578,000,000.  That is a lot of tax payer money.  And I think that the city/county/state, where ever the money came from, could have easily built or completely refurbished at least 6 or 7 schools, that would still be very nice and provide a lot of the extra features that school children need, such as musical instruments and auditorium, art studios, even a pool.  How could anyone think that it was a good idea to spend that kind of money of a single facility?

But here's the really good part - We have all heard how California is in a severe budget crisis, and I'm sure the city of LA is not an exception to that.  Well, according the article, and I quote:

"The pricey schools have come during a sensitive period for the nation's second-largest school system:  Nearly 3,000 teachers have been laid off over the part two years, the academic year and programs have been slashed.  The district also faces a $640 million shortfall and some schools persistently rank among the nation's lowest performing."

3,000 teachers cut in the last 2 years?!?
$640M Budget Shortfall?

In looking at these numbers, I can only ask one thing.... "What were they thinking?" 

But what are your thoughts?  Agree with me?  Disagree?  Think I'm an idiot?  Post on here and let me know. 

Thanks for reading.
Bart