Cutting Schools to the Bone

We are deeply concerned about the governor’s proposed reductions in funding for our schools and the devastating implications for our current educational programs.

Saddleback Valley Unified School District is facing a $6.9-million decrease in income based on the governor’s revised budget for 1990-91 and proposed budget for 1991-92. The governor is proposing the suspension of voter-approved funding for education provided through Proposition 98, approved in 1988, and Proposition 111, approved just last June.

The school district is currently reviewing very significant program, staff and operations reductions to accommodate this shortfall in revenue. Some of the proposed cuts include elementary music, the Read program, high school librarians, academic competitions and reductions in the athletics programs. Other cuts being examined are increased class size, the loss of zero period and moving to a five-period day, which would result in a loss of electives.

More than 50 classified employees have already been laid off. Many additional support staff, teaching and administrative positions will also need to be cut.

Although most statewide budget discussions focus on the state budget shortfall, few people realize that there will be $6 billion in new state revenues next year. Education will receive only 5% of this $6-billion increase, which is less than the amount guaranteed under Propositions 98 and 111. We seriously question why education must receive $2.5 billion less than guaranteed by the voters when state resources are increasing by over 14%. Even our governor states that the children of California are our most important resource and responsibility.

This month our state legislators are debating and moving toward finalizing decisions regarding Proposition 98 and the 1991-92 state budget. Please join with us in protecting the most precious resource in California--our children.

NANCY HINES, Citizens Action to Save Education. This letter was signed by nine others associated with the Saddleback Valley Unified School District.