Local Teachers Brace for Cuts, IOU's
By ARTIE OJEDA
Updated 4:51 PM PST, Tue, Jan 6, 2009
Education is taking a big hit as state legislators take action, or in-action, resolving the state budget crisis. The budget impasse has some wondering if their paychecks will soon come in the form of IOU's, including teachers.
Already, districts in San Diego County are warning teachers layoffs are imminent for the next school year. Districts are scrambling to make ends meet while facing mid-year budget cuts.
But is there legitimate concern from teachers their paychecks could soon come in the form of IOU's?
“Short answer is no,” said Marc Houle with the Poway Federation of Teachers. “The district does have and districts do have ways in the short term to borrow funds. They do have a reserve for economic uncertainties that no one wants to see the districts use, but in the short term, teachers are safe.
Teachers are paid by individual school districts, which get funding from the state but teacher salaries are dependent on their district's financial solvency. A check of the larger districts in the county show each is in good shape, for now.
“If we didn't get any money from the state at all starting immediately, then we would still be able to meet payroll probably through April or May,” said John DeBeck, San Diego Unified school board member. “Any budget will probably get us through June. But then the question is, how solvent is the district, and then we'll have to look at that.”
A spokesperson in the state controllers office says officials have a "priority payment schedule" for a worse case scenario.
She says educators are high on that payment list, while state legislators would be more likely to get those IOU's.
First Published: Jan 6, 2009 3:36 PM PST
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