Domino E ffect
Editor-in-Chief
ago [means] no spending that’s not required for example no training conferences,” said Modesto Teachers Association President Megan Gowans. “Teacher’s aren’t allowed to order supplies so they have to make do.” Modesto Teachers Association officials and MCS officials have met in negotiations meetings but there have been no decisions as to teacher’s positions or a list of programs to eliminate. No comments are able to be made from the negotiations meeting because “negotiations are confidential and nothing has been decided” said Deputy Superintendant Debbe Bailey
A 'T AFFORD STORIES WE CAN
Bigger class sizes, loss of teachers and other school personnel and eliminating certain programs awaits not only the Modesto City Schools District but all the school districts in California due to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s proposed budget plan to cut $4.8 billion from the education budget. Already, the district has cut $11 million this year. The district has also implemented a “hard freeze” on the current district budget, spending only what is necessary. “The hard freeze (a directive of the district) that was effective weeks ago [means] that there’s no spending that isn’t required,” said MTA President Megan Gowans. “[Teachers] aren’t allowed to order supplies so they have to make do.” Although the “hard freeze” will save Modesto City School’s money, district officials are trying to figure out how to make cuts. “If we don’t receive money, we need to save every penny of it. Every district in the state is doing this [budget freeze]. I’ve sent out three clarification notices to members The District plans to meet on March 2 to get a to say what’s ok to spend and what’s not,” said Deputy list together of programs that can be cut down. Superintendent to find programBailey. at every Debbe “We’re looking said There have been ”negotiation meetings between the g programs, prioritizin possible cuts, we’re
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We don’t have a specific list [to eliminate programs] yet.
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“We’re very close to becoming a -Band Director Dan Bryan
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ms progra Sports Davis for Final whistle officials.” and balls the except “[We] could lose everything
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-Athletic Director Brad Goudeau
Essentials tes Algebra elimina Budget “It’s really put a wrench in everything.” -Math teacher Barry Leitner
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Cuts should be made farthest from the classroom.
cks Hard freeze chills teachers payche of the district.” “Teachers represent the largest expense -CTA Representative Steve Miller
-MTA President Megan Gowans
How do you think the budget crisis will effect Davis? “We’ll have less copies of paper in our class.”
“It will limit the supplies we have in our classes.”
“It will cause cut backs on extra curriculars and possibly sports to be cut too.”
Armando Ruiz
Amelia Ayala
Jose Godinez
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
-Deputy Superintendant Debbe Bailey
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Governor Schwarzenegger’s ‘race to the bottom’ would complete the journey from First (the best funded school system) to the Worst (the least funded public school system) . -CTA Representative Steve Miller
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The headlines below represent stories that we may be forced to read in the near future. The Corinthian has combined the ominous headlines with commentary from department chairs, teachers and local representatives whose programs may be affected most.
by district cuts Music program silenced very generic academic society.”
Modesto Teachers Association (MTA) and District officials, but the district plans to meet March 2 to get an official list together of what programs/ jobs will be eliminated. “We’re looking at every program to find possible cuts, trying to prioritize programs,” Bailey said. “Teachers are afraid of what’s going on, said Gowans. According to Gowans, possible cuts could include: athletics, music programs, art and counseling, but realistically school staff members could be the first to go. Davis High is an example of already letting go staff members to try and save money. “The best example would be to go back and look at last year,” said Principal Jeff Albritton. “We lost a library person and we lost the career tech.” “Teachers represent the largest expense of the district,” said CTA regional staff member Steve Miller. “[The district may] cut salaries or jobs or both.” By March 15, districts will have had to sent out lay-off notices to teachers and administrators.
Bailey. Until State Legislators come up with a solution to this “fiscal crisis” MCS officials can do nothing but wait until they have a specified budget. “We’re basically waiting for the state budget to get figured out,” said Gowans.
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By CELIDA GASTELUM
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ctually, the funding for this paper is not dependent upon the state budget, but many of the programs offered at Davis are. The State of California funds eighty-percent of the Modesto City Schools District’s income. While the state debates in Sacramento over how to handle the budget crisis, MCS officials debate on how to cut back on costs chiefly by eliminating certain programs or dismissing teachers. The District has implemented a “hard freeze” as one of the ways to cut back on spending. “The hard freeze [that] was effective weeks
California’s unresolved budget hurts education system State money troubles trickles down to MSC
Compiled by: Amrit Chowdhary, Jake Duffy,Celida Gastelum,Connor Johnson, Julie Mante
“They will be taking away clubs and sports.”
“A lot of clubs and classes will be cut down.”
Victoria Guerrero
Luis Corro
Freshman
Junior
“It will lower us on athletics and janitors; our school will be more trashed.”
“They will cut the teachers.”
“A lot more programs, like sports and college counseling, will be cut down.”
Sophomore
Miko Loo
Megan Algrich
Freshman
Shalyn Wiggins
Senior