April 19, 2012 (Sacramento):  Sacramento City Unified School District’s Board of Education will consider a resolution in support of both statewide tax initiatives headed for the November ballot at its meeting tonight (Thursday, April 19).

The initiatives – one supported by Governor Jerry Brown and teachers unions and the other by civil rights attorney Molly Munger and the state PTA – would both raise revenue for California public schools. Currently, both initiatives are in the signature-collection phase. The success of either in November would provide a measure of relief to struggling California school districts hard-hit by years of state cuts.

SCUSD has slashed more than $100 million from its budget in the prior three years. Under the Governor’s January budget proposal, SCUSD faces another $28 million deficit for 2012-13 due to declining state revenue, rising costs and the loss of one-time federal funds. To account for this shortfall, trustees made painful decisions earlier this year to eliminate counselors, librarians, sports and home-to-school bus transportation. The Board also voted to close one school and reduce custodial and plant manager staffs.

In addition, SCUSD faces a $15 million mid-year “trigger” cut if the Governor’s initiative fails with voters.

“Year after year of state cuts makes it extremely difficult to maintain our high quality schools and programs,” said SCUSD Superintendent Jonathan Raymond.  “These ballot initiatives are a step in the right direction, although more needs to be done to fully fund our schools.”

                                                                                                                                                                                
WHAT:                 Board of Education meeting
WHEN:                 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 19
WHERE:               The Serna Center
                               5735 47th Ave.
                               Sacramento, CA 95824