I congratulate the CSEA team and applaud their efforts. Last night they, as the teachers, ratified by 80% (to 20%) a tentative agreement that "freezes" the existing furloughs, contracts, and MOUs -- thereby guaranteeing no layoffs until June 30, 2012. Kudos to all!!
At the same time, Governor Schwarzenegger called another Special Session (along with the swearing in of new Legislators) to resolve the $25 Billion budget deficit. Needless to say, there are those that aren't sure that they wish to resolve the budget mess with a "lame duck" Governor. On Wednesday, Governor-elect Brown began his messaging about where he intends to go with the budget -- with the first of 3 budget forums. Senate leader Steinberg summed the situation up fairly well saying, “When you boil down all the complicated formulas and the complexity of the state, it comes down to one question: ‘what do we want as a state and how are we going to pay for it’?”
And guess what, NOW we have a $28 Billion deficit (based on the federal estate tax actions). The news is NOT improving.
On a positive note, the Governor-elect did acknowledge that with national comparisons with other states, we are in trouble and need help. He specifically recognized that we are ranking 49th in teachers-per-student, 49th in counselors-per-student, 50th in librarians-per-student, and 47th in administrators-per-student. The new governor seems aware of the magnitude of the problem our schools and students face.
Stay tuned, it should be an interesting couple of months!
Does "no lay-offs" mean no pink slips??? RUSD tends to pink slip way more than they need to causing a lot of employees unnecessary pain and turmoil.
ReplyDeleteDoes this mean that I will get my job back since I'm still a currently laid off teacher with over 10 years of elementary experience who made the choice to change districts at the wrong time?
ReplyDeleteWith $71 million in reserves, there SHOULD be NO layoffs (or pink slips)for anyone! How is the district planning on using that large reserve to improve things for our students?
ReplyDeleteI am glad if there will be no layoffs, as I am in a position that is in danger every time that happens. However, I don't understand how we can be sure this far in advance that there is enough money to make it through 11-12, knowing how capricious the folks in Sacramento are.
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