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Written by Jo Ann Hillery   
Saturday, 22 March 2008
Governor Schwarzeneger's Proposed $4.5 Billion in Statewide Budget Cuts

How You Can Help

by Alameda Education Foundation - Article on Website 

March 1, 2008

The bad news: $4.5 million in budget cuts to the district. The good news: There’s plenty you can do to help out.

Under the governor’s proposed state budget, the Alameda Unified School District will lose $4.5 million in the next year. If approved, those cuts will result in mass lay-offs of teachers and staff, several school closings, an end to reduced class sizes in grades K-3, a potential takeover by the state, and other devastating losses – unless we all start acting now. The Alameda Education Foundation has initiated a strategic plan designed to respond to the district’s current financial challenge. the very immediate threat presented by the governor’s proposed cuts to education.

Every stakeholder in the district needs to get involved in this effort if we are to save our schools. Here’s what you can do:

Donate money to the Alameda Education Foundation, so that we can develop long-term, stable sources of funding for the district and keep vital programs – such as reduced class sizes, art instruction, and technological advances – alive in our schools.

Get involved with Keep Alameda Schools Excellent, which is coordinating an immediate community effort to increase local revenue for Alameda’s schools.

Write to your legislators to protest the governor’s proposed cuts to Proposition 98, which constitutionally mandates minimum levels of funding for California’s public schools. At the same time, ask that AUSD get equal funding for its students – currently we receive less money per student than any other district in Alameda County.

Educate friends, family, and community members about the details of the governor’s proposed budget – and how it will affect AUSD - by joining the AEF Ambassadors program. You can introduce AEF to community groups, faith-based organizations, civic groups or even simply friends and neighbors.

The effect of Governor Schwarzenegger’s proposed cuts are terrifying to consider, but we needn’t be paralyzed in the face of them. Take action now to help our children, our schools, and our community.
 
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