Keep teachers in the classroom,
for our children and our economy

Tomorrow, the San Diego Unified School District board votes on its threatened layoff of more than 900 teachers.  Besides throwing many of San Diego's best and brightest teachers out into the job market, this vote will have long-term consequences for San Diego's business climate and economic strength, as well as our children's future.  

Some school board members say they have no choice, given Gov. Schwarzenegger's statewide budget cuts. But other school districts around the state are demonstrating there are plenty of options.

Of the state's 10 largest districts, only San Diego and two others are firing permanent teachers. Other districts are finding creative ways to trim their budgets or redirect funds, doing whatever it takes to protect classroom instruction.
 
CPI researchers have studied the school district's budget options and will urge the board to consider other steps to avoid the layoffs.  The board could instead more than cover its budget gap by freezing hiring, shifting non-classroom teachers to fill classroom vacancies, using excess reserve funds and unspent special funds and lowering the administrative staff ratio to match other districts. 

The school board needs to hear from voters.  Please call or e-mail board members now and remind them that classroom teaching is their core mission and should be their top budget priority.

Luis Acle: (619) 795-0400, luis.acle@cox.net
John deBeck: (619) 276-2027, jdebeck1@san.rr.com
Mitz Lee: (858) 695-8064, mitz@mitzlee.com
Katherine Nakamura: (619) 287-4284, nakamura@cox.net

Please thank board member Sheila Jackson, the only one so far to vote against the layoffs: (619) 549-6299, sjackso2@cox.net.

Show you support CPI's proposals to preserve quality education by attending the board meeting at 3 p.m. Tuesday in the auditorium of the Eugene Brucker Education Center, 4100 Normal Street. Overflow parking is available until 6 p.m. at the First Southern Baptist Church, 4353 Park Blvd.


CPI seeks Communications Specialist

If you are an excellent writer with strong e-skills and a passion for economic and social justice, this could be your chance to work for San Diego's progressive think tank.  CPI is accepting applications for a full-time position that involves website innovations, e-advocacy, video-making, media relations and writing communications of every sort.

The job announcement is available on our web site.