Let's throw the children overboard

Since Sunday's column about the impact of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's proposed massive cuts in funding for public education, I've heard from countless teachers, parents, principals and others.

Here's one, which I've edited for space, that's sadly typical:

"Dear Mr. Lopez,    By way of introduction I'm Suzie Swartz, president of the Saddleback Valley Unified School Board of Education (serving 5 cities in south Orange County www.svusd.k12.ca.us).

"I'm !#$%&*!! heartsick about the devastating cuts my schools are facing because our governor refuses to set budget priorities and our legislators are too dysfunctional to come to grips with California's budget deficit.

"My award-winning district is forced to cut $19.3 million for next school year and it's downright obscene.  Besides the 'easy' cost cutting in maintaining grounds and facilities, not filling open positions, energy efficiencies to save money and cutting school supplies, we're preparing to cut high school librarians, junior varsity sports, the high schools' International Baccalaureate programs along with reduce course offerings, eviscerate elementary music, eliminate school transportation, eliminate assistant principals at both the elementary and high school levels, roll back management salaries, have eight elementary schools with just part-time principals.

"As you know, we aren't just talking about continuing to do more with less.  My district is sending layoff notices to almost 400 people (in some cases husbands and wives), almost 400 more people unemployed, many will be without health insurance and many unable to make mortgage payments.  Multiply that by districts up and down the state and what will that do to California's economy???"

Well, Ms. Swartz, that's a question, unfortunately, that answers itself.

Read Steve Lopez's recent columns.

Comments

[Roman]

Hi;

I can't help but be disappointed in the state I grew up in. I now live in Long Island NY. It seems to me that California has a government it can't afford or at least won't pay for. A 16 billion dollar short fall is quite amazing. But really doesn't do justice to the problem. The actual issue is clearer when you note that you are 15% over budget. Therefore, it isn't a small amount. Next you need to marshall the localities and find out what do the residents really want to pay for. I can tell you that my home property taxes are $30,000.00. That seems a bit more than my friend who lives in La Habra Hgts. So I suggest you all stop whining and start figuiring out what to cut and what to pay for. Because from what I can tell July isn't that far away.