PUSD set to Eliminate $21 Million From Budget

Facing an unprecedented fiscal crisis caused by a catastrophic reduction of state funding for public schools, the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) Board of Education acted on a fiscal stabilization plan on Tuesday that includes approximately $21 million in reductions to the general fund, which pays for salaries, supplies, and most services.  The Board approved the preliminary plan  in order to fulfill its obligation to submit a two-year balanced budget to the Los Angeles County Office of Education by December 15, 2009. 

“The substantial loss in state revenue will affect every person in the PUSD system, from children and teachers in the classroom to the personnel that makes sure that schools function optimally,” said Board of Education President Tom Selinske.  “While we will make every effort to minimize the impact on student achievement, core programs and personnel, the state’s ongoing fiscal instability still poses a significant financial threat.”

Difficult reductions in staff, programs, and activities are inevitable in the face of a $20 million budget deficit for PUSD over the next two years.  Cuts in state funding have caused school districts throughout California to lay off teachers and other employees, increase class size and trim arts, music and athletic programs.

Also at Tuesday’s meeting, three of the four groups who represent District employees stepped forward to save jobs and preserve rising student achievement by agreeing, in concept, to support five furlough days in 2010-11. 

“We recognize the fiscal concerns of our budget gap and the need for immediate action,” said California School Employees Association President Rosemarie Riley. “We agree in concept to five unpaid furlough days, but ask that these be spread over multiple pay periods in order to minimize the impact on our employees.”

CSEA represents approximately 500 instructional aides, school secretaries and receptionists, and health clerks in PUSD.

 “If it helps to decrease layoffs and preserve the current upward momentum of student achievement, then we agree to five unpaid furlough days,” said Kathy Onoye, PUSD’s Executive Director of Elementary Instruction, and representative of the Association of Pasadena School Administrators. “Our concern as educators is that severe cuts will eliminate academic programs, reduce staff and have a negative impact on student achievement.”

APSA represents 170 managers, administrators and coordinators, most of whom are teachers who have moved into leadership positions.

 “A solid majority of our members is in support of the furlough concept to save jobs.  This says a lot about the people that work here and are committed to this district.  They care about one another and they care about the kids, so they’re willing to make a shared sacrifice,” said Ray Whitmer of the Teamsters, representing maintenance, operations and food service employees.