School Cuts: One Step Closer

Drastic cuts to education are one step closer to reality

The San Diego Unified school board voted to approve their preliminary budget report Thursday night.

When it comes to cuts, this is the worst year in the history of San Diego Schools.

The San Diego Unified School Board considered the superintendent's recommendations on how to slash $120 million dollars --- that includes cutting more than 500 teachers.

One mother addressed the Board saying, β€œI keep hearing over and over again, that no child should be left behind. But, these children are being left behind.”

Along with teacher layoffs --- proposed cuts would impact school counselors, librarians, gifted and magnet programs, and services to students, class size, and police security.

A 4th grade student told the Board, β€œWhen I heard magnet funds would be suspended, I was sad because PE is what a lot of us love about school.”

The District is looking at two scenarios: one if voters agree to extend temporary state tax increases and the other if they don't.

If the measure gets on the ballot and passes, it could mean $57 million back to education for the district --- the other worst case scenario is $120 million cut from the budget.

Richard Barrera, President of the San Diego School Board said, β€œI feel like the only option in front of us, to save what people are so passionately speaking about, is the governor’s budget proposal. That really is the way to restore the cuts that we would otherwise have to make.”

Tonight the school board voted to approve the preliminary budget plans that report goes to the county office of education.

A final budget will be passed in June.

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