Pinecrest Schools to Lay Off 200-Plus

Sherman Oaks-based Pinecrest Schools will close its doors around June 15 and lay off more than 200 people, the chain notified the state Employment Development Department this month. Layoffs affecting 213 positions will start May 31 at campuses in Simi Valley, Moorpark, Canyon Country, Thousand Oaks and Woodland Hills, which has the largest staff of 71 at 5975 Shoup Ave. Owners announced in January that the schools would be closing this year. At points in its 65-year history, the business operated 10 campuses and taught 6,000 students throughout L.A. and Ventura counties. Pinecrest attributed the closure in earlier announcements to no longer being able to keep its tuition flat amid rising costs and a changing education climate, which has broadened to include charter schools and other forms of learning. The business shut two campuses last year in Lancaster and Northridge.