Every cut by the school district in response to the current budget crisis will hurt. By the end of the Tuesday night’s School Board meeting it became more clear than ever that the budget crisis has real human impact. Despite the oft repeated mantra of “keep the cuts away from the classrooms”, the students in Culver City will be affected. How affected is still not clear as the amount of state and federal government monies are still in flux. Decisions about how to allocate that money are still being formulated. Now is the time for the entire community to step up and get involved.. The emotional presentation by parents, teachers, aides and students about cuts to Special Education were in the forefront at the meeting. Any one who has sat through these meetings, works in the district, has a student, or cares about our schools and their effect on the community must realize that all of us have to look beyond our own interests to consider the health of the district as a whole.

The contract of the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources was renewed with the School Board reserving the right adjust the salary up or down as needed. The School Board refused to make further cuts - in particular the cutting of 27 instructional aides, 2 counselors, and 1 guidance technician - until they have a clear idea of how that money will be spent, for what other jobs or programs, and if those cuts are currently necessary. Four out of five Board Members decided not to second a motion to vote on these cuts citing the need for additional detailed plans and information. Classified employees whose hours have been cut will continue to receive the same level of health benefits until the end of the school year.

The Board indicated that it would welcome temporary across the board cuts in all district employees’ salaries to try to keep the cuts as far away from the students as possible. This includes cuts to School Board members. Judging by the success of many of our schools fundraisers (e.g. Art Walk, CCEF Tribute to Stars, Silent Auctions, Jog-a-thons, etc.) the parents are digging deeper into their own pockets to support school activities. Solutions, new funding sources, and creative ideas are essential at this critical time It is time for the rest of the community to realize the value that an excellent school system has on property values, commerce, and the city at large, and to get involved with saving our schools.