Money Makes the World Go ‘Round!
California Schools in Budget Crunch
Today’s Los Angeles Times leads with another story about problems in California schools. Titled “California public schools seek private money just to cover the basics”, the story reports that
“potential layoff notices have been issued to 20,000 teachers, librarians, nurses and others”
A judge in California recently passed a ruling that only a parent with a teaching certificate could homeschool. There was quite a furor over this, as many parents who homeschool are doing so because of the recent passage of SB-777 that basically kicked any reference to Mom or Dad out of schools. The law forbidding any reference that might reflect poorly on “alternative” lifestyles was the last straw for many evangelicals in California.
Now parents across the state are being asked to donate to keep teachers jobs and schools open secondary to budget shortfalls. And foundations and students are conducting fundraisers.
Students Washing Cars to Pay Teacher Salaries?
Educators must finalize their budgets for the next school year before Sacramento votes on the state’s spending plan. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s proposed budget would cut about $4.8 billion in education funding this year and next. As a result, potential layoff notices have been issued to 20,000 teachers, librarians, nurses and others.
In addition to increasing class sizes, school districts across the state are considering closing schools, eliminating International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement courses and doing away with sports.
School districts have long trotted out worst-case scenarios in an effort to sway lawmakers before they vote on the budget; this year, however, educators and politicians say lean times are ahead.
Where Do All the Education Dollars GO?
Brennan
