WESTMINSTER : Schools Chief Urges $1.6-Million Cutback

In the face of plummeting state funding, Westminster School District Supt. Gail Wickstrom has recommended that the Board of Trustees slash $1.6 million from its $26-million budget.

Wickstrom told the board at its meeting Thursday that although she believes that no program or employee deserves to be cut from the 1993-94 budget, devastating state budget projections leave no alternative. Without deep cuts, the district would be bankrupt within two years, she said.

“I am outraged,” Wickstrom said. “As a California citizen, as a California educator and as a California mother, I am furious” over inadequate state funding.

California gives schools $4,660 per student for education, about half of the amount New York offers, according to Wickstrom.

On spending per student for education, California ranks 41st in the nation, she said, adding: “If we take California as the best state, why aren’t kids getting the best education? We rank right down there with Mississippi.”

During the next several days, the district’s staff and administrators will meet to find the “least worst” cuts to propose to the board for consideration, Wickstrom said. Last year, the district cut more than $600,000 from its 1992-93 budget.

Parents, staff and the community at large have been encouraged to offer cost-cutting suggestions by submitting written comments or calling the superintendent’s office at (714) 894-7311, Ext. 200.

The staff will present the board with a tentative list of possible cuts at a school board workshop on Feb. 4 at 6 p.m. The public may comment on those proposed cuts at a hearing on Feb. 18 at 7:30 p.m.

All meetings will be at district headquarters at 14121 Cedarwood Drive. The board will approve final cuts on Feb. 25.