School anxiety high as cuts loom

I don't know where to begin. First and foremost, education should never be cut. It is unfortunate and very disturbing that our children are going to suffer because the adults that run our lovely state cannot manage money. Public education is a foundation for our youth. I guess the higher ups in our state government aren't worried because they send their children to private schools so their children aren't the ones that are being put into this position. Without a decent education our children will lose role models, creativity, academic success and all the other things that bring hope for their futures. As a result we are going to see an increase in crime and other negative consequences. Why can't our politicians see this and come to realize that they are creating a serious problem. Education has always been a cornerstone for development, take that away or diminish what it can offer and we have destroyed the foundation and the resulting cracks to that will be serious and much more costly.

Cindy,

You couldn't of said it better. It's so disturbing that education is one of the first things they cut. The politicians will never have to face what we parents do becaues they have the funds to send their children to private school. And those, like us, who would make a difference... who wouldn't cut education, don't have the funds to become a pollitician and make a difference. It's very frustrating.

Best, Lucy

We can all make a difference in this state at the voting booth. Take a good look at our state legislators, and then decide who you could have there instead. In the meantime it's very sad that our children will miss out on a quality education. It's time for all citizens of California to rise up and demand a better educated government.

Yes, what has been said is true, but it is time to look at reality across the board. This economic crisis is larger than Education cuts. Open up your blinders. Corporate America is being highly impacted with both job losses and compensation/benefit reductions which naturally leaves additional workloads to those employees left with a job. Yes, better management of funds across the board including a look at perks and benefits enjoyed by school personnel is warranted. It is time for the teachers to stop complaining about an increase to 28 in their classrooms and be glad they have a job. Hey, if I remember corrrectly, my K-12 education had classes of 30+ and I ended up at one the top universities. It isn't about 25, 28 or 30 students per class; it's about the quality and passion of the teachers. And oh, BTW I can't ever remember having an Assistant Principal at any of my schools.

Cindy Murphy,

Do you think that you are a good role model?

Your comments are ignorant and lack any proof. Do you have any studies which prove that expenses within education make kids dumb? I think that people like you discourage and are the ones destroying the world.

Don't you remember your sad story? You keep talking about your hubby in class, how gross? Classes are to learn not to learn about your marital problems you should leave them at your door. And your sad sickness, you should seek counseling. Students are not psychiatrist or counselors.

Think before you click, and push your opinions on people!!!

Education is NOT, the only program, that should not be cut, but facing reality has been very difficult for SRVUSD. Many of us, for years, have asked for a better accounting of monies spent. This has not been done. Until it is? Many of us will simply no longer vote for ballot measures and yes, education can withstand some cuts, whether you recognize it, or not.

It's clear by your tone Ms. Murphy, that no one is entitled to an honest opinion here, but you...

Perhaps you could take the time to exercise a little anger management and restraint when responding to an opinion, differing from yours.

Pampered, fat, indifferent cat is the description that fits perfectly for at least 50% teachers, neither alert or loyal. Fact is school districts are not geared to be competitive, oversized budgets were taken for granted. We are tired of supporting you, we want better education at lower cost.

Don't even try to quote the SRVUSD results as your achievement, parents and kids achieved them, In Spite of You folks.

You hit one of the "nail's" in this debate, right on the head...oversized budgets have been taken for granted FOR YEARS, AND YEARS...

It is unfortunate we are now in crisis with education in the US, but it is, no surprise. It's been coming for some time...

When it comes right down to teaching our children, more often than not? It is NOT forever and always, about money, it is about competency in given subject matter. Across the nation, we do have an extreme measure in play - the firing of teachers, whole staffs, "left and right" and it's growing. While I don't feel this is the whole answer by any stretch, I do believe it is part of the answer. They have to understand that like the private sector, they are not immune to scrutiny or the economic woes of our country. Again, often, and in this case in particular, it is about ACCOUNTABILITY...in the ability to teach; and in spending habits, which again, are at issue with me when it comes to the SRVSD.

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STOP BICKERING ON LINE AND GET TO WORK. San Ramon Valley is still designated as a rural district and instead of spearheading the movement for school funding reform when they are the poster child does nothing. SRVUSD is currently funded at the same rate that New York City Schools were receiving in the last 70's -- $5500 per student per year. Until the parents in SRVUSD either: 1. tax themselves like more progressive districts do without whining ($112 per year is chump change -- BUSD get $1 per sq. foot of house size) or 2. show some moxi, band together and sue the state to revoke Serrano v. Priest, the 80 "basic aid" districts in California who are rolling in cash ($11000 - $16000 per student per year) will continue laughing at you and educating our state's elite.

What is the parcel tax money being used for? It was enough in 2009-10 to keep programs like CSR, why is it not enough in 2010-11? What is it being used for? Is the San Ramon school district using that money to finance things like step and column? Giving raises in a time of financial crisis is not that fiscally responsible.