ABC Schools : Trustees Split Into 2 Camps During Budget Cuts Debate

ABC Unified School District board members, who approved $5.9 million in budget cuts last month, continued to debate the trims Tuesday, with the board majority accusing its three opponents of catering to special interests and releasing inaccurate budget figures.

The exchange lasted three hours and included parents, administrators and teachers in the audience.

Last month, the board voted to increase class sizes next year and trim library and nursing services.

Three board members opposed the cuts, proposing instead to eliminate administrative positions and cut administrative salaries by 10%.

Tuesday’s debate began when board Vice President Jim Weisenberger challenged the board minority to have its budget figures audited. He said he would resign if the figures proved correct. If auditors found the figures to be “bogus,” the three board members should resign, he said.

“If they’re not willing to take the challenge then it’s nothing but a smoke screen and a sham to the community,” Weisenberger said.

The board minority, A. Cecy R. Groom, Sally Morales Havice and David Montgomery, said they stood by their numbers but refused to offer their resignations in exchange.

“I do not wish to step down to your level of mentality,” Groom said.

Members of the audience joined in. One school principal said the discussion last month to trim administrative salaries had offended many employees. But a teacher said the board did not make cuts that were in the best interest of the students.