LARKSPUR SCHOOL DISTRICT
Larkspur, California
Resolution 2007/08-07
Opposition to Governor’s Proposed 2008/09 Budget

WHEREAS, California’s more than 6 million students deserve high-quality schools with well-trained educators, small class sizes, quality instructional materials, up-to-date textbooks and dynamic parental support; and

WHEREAS, Governor Schwarzenegger’s 2008-09 budget proposal calls for massive and devastating cuts to K-12 students and schools by reducing Proposition 98 funding by $400 million in the current year and $4.4 billion for 2008-09; and

WHEREAS, a $4.4 billion cut to Proposition 98 funding would mean laying off tens of thousands of teachers statewide and would also result in increases in class size, not to mention a further erosion of the support system for students provided by classified and paraprofessional staff; and

WHEREAS, Under the governor’s proposed budget, Larkspur School District could lose approximately $250,000 in 2008-09 due to the suspension of Proposition 98; and

WHEREAS, According to recently released reports and studies, California spends $1,900 less per student than the national average – seriously underfunding its public schools; and

WHEREAS, The governor’s proposed budget reductions are fundamentally inconsistent with the state’s goal of improving student achievement, at a time when our students are making progress toward meeting rigorous state and federal education standards; and

WHEREAS, The “Getting Down to Facts” studies show that billions more need to be invested in education in California to ensure the opportunity for all students to succeed, now and in the future; and

WHEREAS, The $14 billion budget problem was not created by our students and fixing the problem should not come at the expense of their educational progress and success; and

WHEREAS, California voters approved – and continue to strongly support – Proposition 98 to protect schools and students from harmful budget cuts and to establish a minimum level of education funding; and

WHEREAS, The governor’s budget proposal goes against the will of California voters;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the Larkspur School District strongly opposes the governor’s 2008-09 budget proposal and urges the governor and Legislature to discuss all possibilities to solve the budget crisis including new revenue sources and expenses.

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Larkspur School District Board of Trustees at a meeting held on January 29, 2008 by the following vote:

AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:

/S/  1/29/2008
Monica Bonny, President Board of Trustees
Kevin Mangan, Clerk
Board of Trustees

I, Valerie Pitts, Secretary to the Board of Trustees, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the Resolution adopted by the Board of Trustees of the LARKSPUR SCHOOL DISTRICT at their regular meeting of January 29, 2008, which Resolution is on file in the office of said Board.

/S/ 1/29/2008
Valerie Pitts, Superintendent
Secretary to the Board of Trustees

Day of the Teacher – Wednesday, May 14, 2008 This week we honor and show our gratitude for one of the most humble professions – teaching. Helen Caldicott, author and peace activist, affirmed, “teachers are the most responsible and important members of our society because their professional efforts affect the fate of the earth.” Teachers reach those who become the leaders of the world. Teachers are our most valuable resource. - Read Entire Perspective