SANTA ANA : Group to Suggest School Budget Cuts

Responding to a projected $9-million deficit for the 1992-93 school year, Santa Ana Unified School District Supt. Rudy M. Castruita has announced the formation of a committee to identify possible cuts.

Castruita said last week that the budget committee will be made up of 48 volunteers, including staff, faculty, students and parents from elementary, intermediate and high school levels.

The committee will hold its first meeting at 6 p.m. on Feb. 24 at Century High School. There, members will receive an overview of Gov. Pete Wilson’s budget and proposed cuts and their potential impact. It will be followed by large and small group discussions of suggested cuts.

Castruita said the committee’s recommendations would be sent to the Board of Education for consideration by March 10. If the board decides to lay off employees, they must be notified by March 15.

District Controller Bob Giritz said the shortfall is the result of the recession and state budget problems, as well as plunging interest rates and lottery revenue. Other contributing factors include rising costs of utilities and health benefits.

Volunteers should submit applications to Susan Despenas at the District Office, 1405 French St., Santa Ana, on or before Thursday. All committee members will be selected at random and will be contacted Friday. For more information, call the district at (714) 558-5501.