Because it is a school district issue, voters outside of L.A. but within school district boundaries are allowed to vote.
The basic ideas included in the proposed amendment were raised initially by a 30-member commission designed by Huizar and then-City Council President Alex Padilla to consider reforms at L.A. Unified. Although most of the recommendations made by the commission would need action by the school board, the three included in Amendment L require a change to the City Charter.
The proposed amendment strays slightly from the commission's suggestions, however.
The commission called for board members to be considered full-time employees and paid more than the current $25,000 salaries. Amendment L, instead, would form a committee that would meet every five years to set board members' salaries.
Also, the commission suggested that campaign contribution limits be the same as those for City Council members, who must adhere to a $500 limit per donor but who receive matching funds. Instead, the amendment calls for the $1,000 cap.
It would do nothing to limit expenditures made by independent groups or individuals on behalf of candidates.
In addition, the board members' campaign finance reports would be subject to audits and investigations by the city Ethics Commission. The Charter amendment also would require electronic filing of campaign spending reports that supporters say will improve access by the public.
joel.rubin@latimes.com
