California Schools feel the Burn of Budget Cuts/Erica Quevedo

California’s budget crisis has reached new heights as Governor Schwarzenegger’s budget proposal could possibly cut $4.8 billion dollars in education funding. As school districts throughout California frenzy to trim their already slim budgets they are faced with the dim reality of firing teachers.

Rialto Unified School District, which faces a $23 million budget cut, voted last week to send over 300 notices to employees and teachers informing them that they may not have a job next year. While some districts like San Francisco who face a $40 million dollar budget cut have the luxury of looking hopefully towards accessing a “rainy day” fund, other districts like Long Beach Unified are forced to close down schools. If the San Francisco Board of Supervisors fail to pass the proposal to access the rainy day funds the 56,000 student district will be forced to lay off over 500 teachers and administrators. Meanwhile Long Beach Board of Education has voted to close Tucker Elementary school in efforts to save an estimated $1 million dollars; in consequence they are forced with relocating 400 students to neighboring MacArthur Elementary school.

Los Angeles Unified School District alone is potentially facing a $560 million dollar deficit for next year under this proposed budget; this would be the largest in the state. According to the LA Times, Chief Financial Officer Megan K. Reilly said the $460-million cut would be the equivalent of closing 22 high schools, firing 5,750 employees or instituting an 8% pay cut for all employees.

As School Districts throughout California feel the heat of budget cuts policy makers must scramble to address the unintended consequences and effects on education policy. The dangers of firing teachers and school employees potentially leads to increased class sizes, over crowdedness, less security and ultimately further burdens an already struggling education system.

Link: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-schools21feb21,0,3850513.story?page=1