The Risks in School Cuts

Orange County residents are facing a serious threat to their basic educational system, not to mention to the new school reform movement, because of a reduction in funding by Gov. George Deukmejian’s proposed 1987-88 state budget.

It should be no secret by now that California ranks fifth in the nation in per capita income and yet 46th in public school spending per $1,000 of personal income and 22nd in per-pupil expenditures. Class size comparisons still rank California 50th in the nation.

Although Deukmejian has increased the amount of money spent in education, it still falls short of what is needed just to fund existing programs. In the Capistrano Unified School District alone, there will be about an $800,000 shortage in the funding of school transportation, which will have to be subsidized by the district’s general fund.

The governor has made the policy decision that about one-third of the growth in general fund revenues will be earmarked for the restoration of the “reserve” rather than being expended on state programs. It is unconscionable to cut desperately needed education programs to fund a $1-billion reserve.

Citizens can make a difference if they speak out. In 1983, county residents, along with a multitude of other California voters, sent a message to the governor that educational reform was a top priority. It is time that the voters again let their representatives know that Deukmejian’s proposed budget is unacceptable and that a $1-billion reserve is a luxury that the state can no longer afford.

RIC STEPHENSON

Laguna Hills

Stephenson is president of the Capistrano Unified Education Assn.