Los Angeles public school teachers are on the third day of their strike, with thousands of teachers showing up at school picket lines and massive rallies downtown. With some 30,000 teachers off the job, just a third of the district’s 500,000 students have showed up to school this week.

The union’s anger has largely been directed at Austin Beutner, the superintendent who was appointed last year in large part because of his business background. Jennifer Medina spoke to Mr. Beutner as protesters gathered outside the district headquarters. He did not disguise his frustration and exasperation over the strike. Here is an excerpt from the interview, which has been condensed and lightly edited.

JENNIFER MEDINA: What is this battle about right now?

AUSTIN BEUTNER: The union’s desires are the same as mine. In concept we could agree with everything. But there’s limits on resources. The regulator on behalf of the state has told us we’re in dire financial straits. We cannot spend more than what we have.

There are no negotiations scheduled between the district and the union, United Teachers Los Angeles. How long will the strike go on and how can it end?