BUDGET CRISIS

Audio from March 10, 2008 Regular Board Meeting

State-wide School Fiscal News

Potential Budget Reductions for the 2008-09 School Year

February 22, 2008

Dear Parents and Community Members,

I urge you to contact your legislators and the governor to voice your outrage at the proposed solutions to the state’s mounting budgetary crisis. The cuts to education would result in a giant step backwards for our public schools, which are already struggling for funds. The deficit is real and will drastically alter the way Hope District’s schools will function next year.

As of this writing, our budget must be cut by at least $350,000.00 for the next school year (2008-2009) and some cuts are likely for this school year. If the governor’s proposals are maintained, drastic reductions must be instituted for next year.

The following is a partial list of possible considerations to reduce the district’s budget:

Increase class sizes in grades 4 to 6
Increase 3rd grade class sizes from 20 to 28 students
(these first 2 result in more teachers being laid off)
Reduce the time that libraries are open
Reduce classroom aides

Act Now! Contact your legislator through an e-mail, a call, or a handwritten letter. You will find a sample letter here. In 2005, citizens of California raised their voices and prevented cuts to educational programs. Those voices must be heard again to keep schools operating appropriately. We cannot let our children bear the brunt of a deficit they did not create.

Sincerely,

Gerrie Fausett
Superintendent