Sorry for my absence, but I think I literally “ran out of time” during this past week – lots going on (which is good). As many are probably aware we had celebration of 5 years of salad bars – and improved student nutrition – under the leadership of Rodney Taylor. We had Undersecretary Concannon with us for the USDA to celebrate. We also had the dedication of the Frank Augustus Miller Middle School and reality of connecting some of our students to the heritage of Riverside (particularly given the life-sized model of Frank Miller). As well as lots of other activities.
Also this week, we were able to finally close the budget gap with the Group #5 Recommendations. To the degree that people are interested in there is a clear mechanism available that illustrates how positions can be saved through utilization of furloughs, salary rollbacks, etc. In the midst of horrible conditions, that is good news. However, the realities are that we await the next State announcement of budget projections for 2010-11 – via the Governor’s May Revise. We hope there is NO change, but would not be surprised if there were further budget reductions passed on from the state. We can only do what we can with the budget issues that are passed down from the state – which also requires of us a balanced budget (unlike what they impose upon themselves). We ARE hopeful that the May Revise recognizes the hard work of public schools across the state and creates no further damage. Given a static situation, we need to continue to investigate positive solutions that restore these much needed positions.
Why is it that RUSD must wait to attempt to save jobs and some form of class-size reduction when every other district (including LA and San Diego), has already acted saving thousands of jobs? If we need to wait for the Governor's May Revise, why were Staff Developers and Counselors allowed to negotiate amongst themselves thus saving their colleagues? Are teachers not worth saving? I guess other districts believe their teachers are important enough to negotiate for. This is so disheartening and disappointing.
ReplyDeleteWhen you began working here, you visited all the schools and spoke to the teachers who are at the front lines of making a difference in the lives of each student in RUSD. Have you forgotten them? As, a RIFfed teacher, I feel "left behind" by the RUSD board AND the RCTA representatives. Please, do what is right for our students and explore ALL the avenues possible (furlough, salary roll-back for Superintendents etc.) to save our positions and ultimately save our students.
ReplyDeleteJurupa Unified voted to save jobs and some form of CSR this week. I guess they get more money than RUSD. Perhaps they just value teachers more thand RUSD.
ReplyDeleteI think it's pretty clear that a lot of other districts value teachers more than RUSD.
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