Meanwhile we have received verification from California Department of Education of our federal jobs allocation ($7.8 million) -- to be spent by 9/30/2012. However, given all the discussion regarding the "check being in the mail" this is a reimbursement program -- where we spend money FIRST and then wait for our reimbursement.
So in my Friday's conversation with one of our Sacramento lobbyist, he made a variety of estimates or conjectures about our State budget future that might be of interest.
- Given the state probably won't run out of cash and need to issue IOUs until November, and given we have an election in November, there is now beginning to be discussion that we won't have a state budget until AFTER the Novermber election.
- We will get the our federal money (as indicated above); however, "they will figure out how to take it back from us in the budget process."
- The 2011-12 budget year is likely to be even worse than this year.
As a Republican I feel stuck between a rock and a hard place. Schools need more money. I know this because I am a laid off RUSD teacher and my kids are in classes that are way too big. Do I vote for the democrat because they "traditionally" give more money to schools or the republican because they "supposedly" want to reduce spending so more money comes back to the tax payer? Then when I look at the actual candidates, I don't think either one of them can get us out of this mess. I wish I could move, but like most of us our home values will not allow us to sell. Does anyone have an answer for education?
ReplyDeleteIn regards to the "education jobs bill" money that RUSD will be receiving, how does the district anticipate the money being spent? Will teachers be hired back for this year or will the money be held to retain teachers that otherwise would have been pink slipped for the next school year?
ReplyDeleteWith respect to the RUSD budeget, can you please place a summary of the budget in plain view rather than the 188+ pages of budget jargon currently on the web page. Bottom line stuff like starting balance for this year!
ReplyDeleteIn response to Sept.15th 8:17am
ReplyDeleteWe the common people are the answer! We must hold our elected and appointed officials responsible for their actions, while also insisting that they represent our best interests. This idea applies broadly to school Boards and School District Adminstrators as well. For example, saving money on staffing by creating comb. classes at the elementary level is clearly not in the best interest of students. Because parents fail to recognize that they have the power to change/stop these type of decisions, the Adminstrators dictate what is good for our kids based on their personal self-interest. Understand that they work for us and are employed/empowered to serve the best interest of students.