So it is one day later and I am apparently wrong – but still an uninformed, speculating superintendent. Yesterday, according to Sacramento there was a budget deal that was made (2 weeks after the June 15th deadline). It has been announced but not many details yet – including actual budget language and passage of the measure (THAT’s when we have a budget).
Republicans are not and have not been part of this budget deal, which leaves us wondering what their role is in Sacramento (post Prop 25)? Predictably, they are opposed to the deal, but it doesn’t matter as a majority vote (Democratic) prevails in the matter. Bottom line, this now moves to getting the actual legislation written and approved as law (which is not instantaneous).
What does it say?
- Essentially things are better, as they are projecting $4 Billion more in revenue (without an especially strong rationale)
- Schools are more or less treated the same as they were this last year (no cuts), though there is a new $2 Billion deferral. There are some other tweaks in there that are long-term -- but that remains to be seen.
- The BIG question is posed in January 2012 (6 months away), IF the revenue projections are not as suggested -- THEN there is an "automatic" trigger that potentially reduces schools by $350 per student and imposes a 10 day reduction of the school year without requiring collective bargaining with employees. This really does expose schools -- just a 6 month reprieve.
Stay tuned, it could be a hot 4th of July.
In the newspaper, RUSD was listed as a district who couldn't afford to go through one or two more years with continual state deferrals of the money they owe us. How does this new budget fit with that? It sounds like they are balancing again by deferring what they pay to local entities. How will that look for 2011-2012 even if the expected revenues materialize? How long can local districts survive without promised state money?
ReplyDeletethe question is...when will the community really start to understand the cost of these decisions on our children? when will the community begin to stand up and demand, yes demand that education be held as a priority, above the abuse generated in other funding aspects? you can only do so much before the masses begin to fight back...I think its time we started to fight for our children...it's long overdue!
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