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Drastic budget cuts threaten school safety

Posted on May 28, 2020 by Sonoma Valley Sun

At a time when our public school districts and county offices of education are being asked to do more than ever, we are facing the largest state budget cut of any public entity. This 10% cut is coming at a time when schools are facing the increased costs associated with opening this fall while COVID-19 is still a threat; for example: social distancing, rigorous cleaning regimens, PPE for staff and students, and special accommodations for students and teachers whose compromised immune systems makes it impossible for them to return to campus until a vaccine is available.

I and other school board members from the North Bay have met with legislators to discuss public education’s needs. However, we can’t do this alone. We need the advocacy help of parents, students, and community members who agree we should not sacrifice the quality of our students’ education to the pandemic.

The California School Boards Association has made specific requests to the legislature to help close the funding gap. Among them: place an emergency bond on the November ballot of at least $2 billion to fund public educations’ costs associated with the coronavirus crisis. This would include health and safety activities, and technology and internet access for students.

Please contact your state senator and state assemblymember asking them to fund public education at the level necessary to fully support our students’ health, safety, and learning during this unprecedented time.

— Gina Cuclis, Vice President
Sonoma County Board of Education
California School Boards Assoc. Delegate




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