Community Corner
Teachers Question Castro Valley Unified School District Spending Priorities
Teacher's Association shocked by what they consider unnecessary student cuts and layoffs
Submitted by: John T. Green, CVTA President
Castro Valley – February 23, 2012 – Despite millions of dollars in cash reserves, the Castro Valley Unified School District’s Board of Trustees will entertain a proposal to eliminate student programs and layoff dozens of teachers at the end of this school year.
“Castro Valley Unified has enough money to maintain all existing student programs and all staff for another year, even if more cuts come down from the State of California,” said John T. Green, president of the Castro Valley Teachers Association (CVTA).
“Our school district began with $17 million in savings this year, the 3rd highest amount of any school district in Alameda County,” said Green.
Teachers believe that all unrestricted general fund reserves should be tapped to maintain student programs before the school district begins any discussion of eliminating essential programs such as music, counseling and smaller class sizes.
Teachers question the spending priorities (and accounting philosophy) of a school district that has seen a projected spending increase of $3.75 million in just one year, despite no staff receiving raises since 2007. For instance, CVUSD projects a four-fold increase in travel & conference expenses this year at the same time the Board of Trustees will discuss eliminating student classes.
Dozens of teachers plan to attend tonight’s School Board meeting to voice opposition to unnecessary budget cuts. Teachers are hopeful that the school board will exercise real leadership and prioritize the quality of education in Castro Valley by maintaining all student programs and returning all staff next year to serve the students.
“Our community has come together time and again to support and value our students by providing a quality, well-rounded education to all children,” said Green. “Let’s not tear down excellent programs while millions sit in a savings account untapped.”
The School Board meeting is being held at a special location (Canyon Middle School cafeteria) and begins at 7pm.
