Superintendent Cortines on Prop. 98 - Stop the Governor

I usually like to write a few paragraphs of commentary based on what I see going on at LAUSD headquarters and in Sacramento and how decisions made affect our schools. In my last post I talked about the Governor's plan to "suspend" Prop 98 and the devastation that would ensue if he's successful. Although he's getting fierce opposition from citizens, it clearly means nothing to him. So much for the People's Governor.  I guess that went the way of the Education Governor.

Yesterday I received a statement from LAUSD Superintendent Ramon Cortines on the subject. I'm reprinting it below because I believe that, regardless of how you might feel about LAUSD, or the job the Superintendent is doing, we, as parents, need to stand together with him and with the Teacher's Union on this one. Please continue calling and writing to your reps in Sacramento. Get together with other parents and send petitions, organize calling parties and do whatever you can think of to get the Legislature's attention on this. Fortunately, there are a number of parent groups across the State mobilizing to make their voices heard, but the Governor needs to hear it from all sides.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s proposal to suspend Proposition 98 education funding is violating a promise California voters made to the children of this state.

 While LAUSD already has made deep cuts based on the Governor’s May revision guidance, the suspension of minimum funding under Prop. 98 would open a door to additional, and continued, cuts throughout the year as the state’s deficit grows. 

 LAUSD has already laid off teachers, library aides, office workers, building and grounds workers and reduced staff throughout the central office. We have had to make cuts that violate my educational principles such as increasing class size.

 If Prop. 98 is suspended, the California Legislature could make even deeper cuts throughout the year. The future of our state is at risk. If we think this current economic recession is bad, I shudder to think what education will look like after additional cuts. There won’t be any education. Enough is enough.