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| 4LAKids: Sunday, Feb 1, 2009 XLIII |  | | | In This Issue: | | • | HIGHLIGHTS OF ECONOMIC STIMULUS PLAN PASSED BY THE HOUSE | | | • | CAUTELA EN EL LAUSD | CAUTION AT THE LAUSD | | | • | PROPOSED CUTS FORETELL STATE’S PLIGHT | | | • | STATE BUDGET CRISIS MAY HIT STUDENTS IN THE STOMACH | | | • | HIGHLIGHTS, LOWLIGHTS & THE NEWS THAT DOESN'T FIT: The Rest of the Stories from Other Sources | | | • | EVENTS: Coming up | | | • | What can YOU do? | |
Featured Links: | | | | "FEDERAL FORMULAS FAVOR STATES WITH A GREATER RATIO OF ELDERLY PEOPLE, SOMETHING CALIFORNIA DOESN'T HAVE." —from an LA Times article: States' Share of Stimulus Package Unclear.
smf: I want everyone to know I am doing my part on the elderly thing!
THE ABOVE is part of counting-the-stimulus-eggs-before-they-are-laid parlor game already going on in Sacramento, in city halls and in school boards from Acton to San Ysidro.
4LALids is not above such things. But first - the Sturgeon General's Warning: "Objects in the magic mirror are more nebulous than they appear!"
• All is based on the House Bill …it IS the First Draft.
• The Senate Version MAY actually be more generous; it WILL certainly be different.
• The Conference Committee will write the Final Version. In Hollywood we have a saying: "No picture is ever as good as the script or as bad as the rough cut; there is much more - and less - to come.
The good news is that the Obama Stimulus Plan offers much to public education in California and LAUSD. The budget wolf may be at the door, huffing and puffing, but help is seemingly on the way.
There are questions about the philosophy of this bailout; a dose of economic reality is called for alongside the political science. The federal government is the only source of liquidly in this time of global economic, financial and credit collapse. Only the feds have the wherewithal to invest in the future — and education is the most positive investment that can be made in the future.
Economic investment in education pays off NOW in maintaining employment and putting folks to work building, repairing and maintaining schools. The investment pays off LATER in an educated and enlightened workforce. That is the Win-Win.
But it will take more than the feds to save the day; the folks in Sacramento MUST also act. Based on prior experience there is little evidence they are inclined and/or motivated to do so. While the state has little or no liquidity this does not exempt them from investment or transparency. To date they have been inept at leading, following or getting out of the way. I titled a previous rant on a previous iteration this same subject: "Help is in the way". Not much has changed in the state capitol.
THE HOUSE VERSION OF THE STIMULUS PACKAGE offers the following to public education nationally:
• $41 billion in grants to local school districts;
• $79 billion in state fiscal relief to prevent cuts in state aid;
• $21 billion for school modernization;
• $16 billion to boost the maximum Pell Grant by $500 to $5,350;
• $2 billion for Head Start;
• Provide a $2,500 tax credit for college tuition and related expenses for 2009 and 2010, at a cost of $10.3 billion. The credit is phased out for couples making more than $160,000;
• Subsidize locally issued bonds for school construction, teacher training, economic development and infrastructure improvements, at a cost of $35.5 billion.
[From Highlights of Economic Stimulus Plan (AP) following]
The LAUSD Office of Government Relations believes this means to LAUSD - based on data from the Congressional Research Service and the Center On Budget Priorities:
• $435 million over two years (FY 2009-10 & 2010-11) in increased funding for Title I
• $37 million over two years for Education Technology projects
• $195 million additional for IDEA/Special Ed
• $435 million additional (beyond the bonds) for School Renovation and Repair ("shovel ready")
• $475 million for fiscal stabilization - to make up for revenue shortfalls etc - to maintain current general budget programs.
• The OGR forecasts additional but undetermined federal funding from: • Additional Fiscal Stabilization, • Child Development Block Grant, • McKinney-Vento Homeless School Improvement Grant, • Facilities Bonds Tax Credits, • Qualified Zone Academy Bonds (QZAB), • Community Oriented Policing Grants (to support school police) and • the After School Feeding Program.
But before we pass out the sheet music to "Happy Days Are Here Again" (written with the ink of irony in the nadir of the Great Depression) remember:
• This is the first draft.
• By law the money cannot flow to the district until 60 days AFTER the president signs it. There is no way it will come in before the legal March budget deadline - and the LAUSD budgeteers cannot legally count the stimulus money in their budget assumptions before they get it.
• This means those pink slips notices to teachers and administrators: "You may not have a job next year" - MUST go out.
• The Stimulus is one-time-money over two years; it is a quick fix – NOT a long term solution to California's Budget Mess.
• And (the biggest bullet point) THE STATE HAS NO BUDGET OF ITS OWN …and no strategy for increasing revenue. This bailout may actually increase Sacramento's (dis)inclination to solve its own problems. California lawmakers are (im)perfectly capable of counting on the federal bailout as an excuse to further reduce education funding — undercutting the federal intent. (see: PROPOSED CUTS FORETELL STATE’S PLIGHT)
• Education funding is NOT a federal function; it is a function of local government. (In the sixties conservatives said of Uncle Sam: 'He's your uncle, not your dad'.) In California education funding is the state government's task; the commitment to this role and finding long term solutions remains conspicuously absent.
WE – We the People/The Villagers it Takes to Raise a Child – parents and educators and students and community members – must remain vigilant and active. We must tighten the screws on Sacramento lawmakers. Money spent on public education is money well spent; but we must make sure it is spent well. Red T shirts on Tuesday and indignant voices at the PTA meeting are not enough; Solidarity among educators and parents for students must be 24/7/365.
There is a light at the end of the tunnel; apparently it isn't an oncoming train. But we are far from anything resembling a destination.
¡Onward/Hasta adelante! —smf
HIGHLIGHTS OF ECONOMIC STIMULUS PLAN PASSED BY THE HOUSE
From The Associated Press
January 29th, 2009 (AP) - Highlights of the $819 billion economic recovery plan drafted by House Democrats and President Barack Obama's economic team. Additional debt costs would add $347 billion over 10 years. Many provisions expire in two years.
►S P E N D I N G :
AID TO THE POOR AND UNEMPLOYED - $43 billion to provide extended unemployment benefits through Dec. 31, increase them by $25 a week and provide job training; $20 billion to increase food stamp benefits by 13 percent; $4 billion to provide a one-time additional Supplemental Security Income payment; $2.5 billion in temporary welfare payments; $1 billion for home heating subsidies; and $1 billion for community action agencies.
HEALTH CARE - $40 billion to subsidize health care insurance for the unemployed under the COBRA program or provide health care through Medicaid; $87 billion to help states with Medicaid; $20 billion to modernize health information technology systems; $4 billion for preventative care; $1.5 billion for community health centers; $420 million to combat avian flu; $335 million for programs that combat AIDS, sexually transmitted diseases and tuberculosis.
INFRASTRUCTURE - $43 billion for transportation projects, including $30 billion for highway and bridge construction and repair and $12 billion for mass transit, including $7.5 billion to buy transit equipment like buses; $31 billion to build and repair federal buildings and other public infrastructure; $19 billion in water projects; $10 billion in rail and mass transit projects.
EDUCATION -
• $41 billion in grants to local school districts;
• $79 billion in state fiscal relief to prevent cuts in state aid;
• $21 billion for school modernization;
• $16 billion to boost the maximum Pell Grant by $500 to $5,350;
• $2 billion for Head Start.
ENERGY - $32 billion to fund a so-called "smart electricity grid" to reduce waste; $6 billion to weatherize modest-income homes.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY - $10 billion for science facilities; $6 billion to bring high-speed Internet access to rural and underserved areas; $1 billion for the 2010 Census.
HOUSING - $13 billion to repair and make more energy-efficient public housing projects, allow communities to buy and repair foreclosed homes, and help the homeless.
ENVIRONMENT - $3.2 billion to clean up Superfund and waste sites, leaking underground storage tanks, nuclear sites and military bases, as well as $400 million for habitat restoration projects and $850 million to prevent forest fires.
LAW ENFORCEMENT - $4 billion in grants to state and local law enforcement to hire officers and purchase equipment.
►T A X E S :
INDIVIDUALS
• $500 per-worker, $1,000 per-couple tax cut for two years, costing about $145 billion. Workers could expect to see about $20 a week less withheld from their paychecks starting in June. Millions of Americans who don't make enough money to pay federal income taxes could file returns next year and receive checks.
• Greater access to the $1,000 per-child tax credit for the working poor in 2009 and 2010, at a cost of $18.3 billion. Under current law, workers must make at least $8,500 to receive the credit. The change eliminates the floor, meaning more workers who pay no federal income taxes could receive checks.
• Increase the earned-income tax credit - which provides money to the working poor - for families with at least three children, at a cost of $4.7 billion.
• Provide a $2,500 tax credit for college tuition and related expenses for 2009 and 2010, at a cost of $10.3 billion. The credit is phased out for couples making more than $160,000.
• Repeal a requirement that a $7,500 first-time homebuyer tax credit be paid back over time for homes purchased from Jan. 1 to July 1, unless the home is sold within three years, at a cost of $2.6 billion. The credit is phased out for couples making more than $150,000.
BUSINESSES
• Extend a provision allowing businesses buying equipment such as computers to speed up the depreciation of that equipment through 2009, at a cost of $5 billion.
• Provide an infusion of cash into money-losing companies by allowing them to claim tax credits on past profits dating back five years instead of two, at a cost of $15 billion.
• Repeal a Treasury provision that allowed firms that buy money-losing banks to use more of the losses as tax credits to offset the profits of the merged banks for tax purposes. The change would increase taxes on the merged banks by $7 billion over 10 years.
• Subsidize locally issued bonds for school construction, teacher training, economic development and infrastructure improvements, at a cost of $35.5 billion.
• Extend tax credits for renewable energy production, at a cost of $13 billion.
• Extend and increase tax credits to homeowners who make their homes more energy efficient, at a cost of $4.3 billion. Homeowners could receive tax credits of up to $1,500 for upgrading furnaces and hot water heaters and making other improvements through 2010 .
CAUTELA EN EL LAUSD | CAUTION AT THE LAUSD
CAUTELA EN EL LAUSD
La Opinión Editorial
2009-01-27 - Los recortes al presupuesto estatal amenazan seriamente la integridad del sistema de enseñanza, que ya es precario por sus resultados magros. En este caso es de resaltar la posición asumida por el superintendente Ramón Cortines del Distrito Escolar Unificado de Los Ángeles (LAUSD) de no retirar maestros de la plantilla hasta cuando sea necesario.
La Junta de Educación otorgó la semana pasada a Cortines la autorización para despedir a 2,300 maestros, en su mayoría de escuelas elementales. Sin embargo, el superintendente decidió no hacer uso de la opción que se le brindaba, hasta que no se aclare el estancamiento de presupuesto en Sacramento y se conozca con claridad la cantidad de fondos que serán recortados del sector educativo.
Creemos que es sensato no apresurar decisiones que tienen un impacto tanto en los maestros como en los alumnos. Cortines está en lo correcto al no querer interrumpir el actual ciclo escolar con cambios de educadores y aumentar la cantidad de alummos por clase. Los estudiantes son prioridad, y hay que perjudicarlos lo menos posible.
El LAUSD ya recortó $400 millones de su presupuesto y debe reducir otros $400 millones para mitad de año, según lo que ocurra en Sacramento. El posible retiro adelantado de más de dos mil empleados del distrito es sin duda de gran ayuda, pero pocos creen que será suficiente.
Nos agrada la cautela de Cortines, pero el panorama es incierto y el despido de maestros es todavía una posibilidad. Estos no son momentos para actuar precipitadamente, sino para evaluar qué es lo mejor para los alumnos en las condiciones financieras de hoy.
_____________________________________________
CAUTION AT THE LAUSD
La Opinión Editorial | La Opinión Translation
27 January 2009 - State budget cuts are seriously threatening the very foundation of California’s education system, whose status is already in question because of substandard performance in terms of student achievement. Given this, Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Superintendent Ramón Cortines has taken the cautious approach of not laying off teachers until absolutely necessary.
Last week the LAUSD School Board authorized Cortines to lay off more than 2,300 teachers, mostly from elementary schools. But the Superintendent decided not to take that route until the budget impasse in Sacramento is cleared and the actual funding cuts in education are determined.
We believe it makes sense not to rush decisions that impact both teachers and students. Cortines is right not to want to disrupt the current school year with teacher changes and increased class sizes. Students are our priority and ways must be found to do as little harm to their learning as possible.
The LAUSD already cut $400 million from its budget and must trim another $400 million by midyear, depending on what happens in Sacramento. Certainly, the possible early retirement of more than 2,000 district employees will undoubtedly help, but few believe it will be enough.
We are pleased by Cortines’ caution, even though the outlook is uncertain and teacher reductions remain a possibility in the future. These are not times to act precipitously, but rather to evaluate what is best for students given today’s financial conditions.
PROPOSED CUTS FORETELL STATE’S PLIGHT
BOTH PARTIES APPEAR TO BE WILLING TO REDUCE FUNDING FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS, COLLEGES, TRANSIT PROGRAMS AND PROGRAMS THAT HELP A WIDE RANGE OF PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS.
By Jordan Rau and Evan Halper | LA Times
January 26, 2009 -- SACRAMENTO -- Although lawmakers continue to argue over how to resolve the state's fiscal crisis, they already have endorsed $6 billion in spending cuts that provide a painful preview of what is likely to be in store for Californians.
The proposed cuts would mean that money for the state's university systems would decrease. Transportation and schools would take a hit. Funds for regional centers that help treat developmental disabilities in babies and toddlers would decline. Cash to help the elderly, blind and disabled keep up with rising food costs would be slashed.
None of these cuts has been enacted. But the fact that they were included in the fiscal plan that Democrats passed last month -- and have been separately backed by Republicans -- ensures that they will be at the top of the list when lawmakers finally decide how to bridge a budget gap projected to exceed $40 billion within a year and a half.
"With 9.3% unemployment in our state, people are flowing into public benefit offices all over California," said Michael Herald, legislative advocate for the Western Center on Law and Poverty, a Los Angeles-based legal services nonprofit. "This is when people need these programs, and yet our state seems to be headed in a direction of reducing them now."
The $11.2 billion that California would receive from Washington to help wipe out the deficit under a stimulus package expected to be pushed through the House this week would do little to offset these cuts. The federal funds, which would address only a quarter of the state's overall problem, are more likely to be used elsewhere.
One of the provisions both parties have supported in the state Capitol would reduce the maximum monthly grant for low-income blind and disabled Californians. Individual grants would drop from $907 to $870, while couples would see their monthly checks drop from $1,579 to $1,524, according to the state Department of Finance. Those grants were supposed to increase this year and again next year to account for inflation.
Ismael Maldonado, a 20-year old from Pacoima who has glaucoma and asthma, said he may have to skimp on medications if lawmakers cut his grant.
The last time he did that, he said, "I ended up in the hospital emergency room" -- an expense the state's Medi-Cal program had to pick up.
Both political parties have endorsed a plan to save $107 million through 3% reductions in payments to programs that help Californians live with cerebral palsy, autism, epilepsy and mental retardation. These programs, delivered through 21 regional centers, assisted 230,000 people last year, said Bob Baldo, executive director of the Assn. of Regional Center Agencies.
They provide diagnosis and early intervention for infants and toddlers with signs of development disabilities. These centers also provide rides for adults with developmental disabilities to day programs, provide them places to live and line up employment for them.
Baldo said the cuts are likely to mean that therapists working with children in schools will face larger caseloads, potentially reducing the time they can spend with each child. He said the cuts may be enough to force some providers of these services out of business.
A steep dip in school spending has been jointly endorsed. Some of the $3.9 billion in cuts to kindergarten-through-12th-grade education would be offset by declining enrollment in some districts, but there will also be many direct effects in the classroom.
The area of school spending that will be hit hardest is funding for textbooks, which would be cut by $417 million. The loss of that money would make some schools unable to update their textbooks, and some districts unable to supply books to every student.
More than $277 million would be cut from a program to fund long overdue maintenance in school buildings, including some scheduled "emergency repairs." Plans by many districts to fix leaky roofs, cracked sidewalks and broken heating systems would have to be put off another year.
Money for the neediest students would be cut, as would programs to further the professional development and training of teachers. Nearly $110 million set aside for districts to preserve art and music programs would also be on the chopping bock.
State funding to train faculty in how to best teach math and reading skills would also be reduced, as would subsidies available to districts that provide after-school child care. And a program initiated to get high-speed Internet access in every district is endangered. Some schools are still using dial-up technology.
The education reductions erode "the foundation schools are built upon," said Kevin Gordon, a lobbyist for hundreds of school districts.
Both parties have also endorsed cancellation of a 2.94% cost-of-living increase for the state's welfare program. That would mean a family of three receiving the maximum monthly grant of $723 would not receive an extra $21 a month this year.
However, welfare recipients may ultimately get a reprieve because Congress is allotting more money to the states for this purpose, Herald said.
Legislative leaders from both parties declined to say which reductions are still being discussed in their negotiations with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, explaining that they did not want to jeopardize a deal. Democratic leaders have said they will not enact cuts until Republicans agree to some tax increases, and that standoff has led to the state's current budget impasse.
The state universities would be faced with tens of millions of dollars more in cuts after already scaling back operations in recent months. Earlier this month, the University of California announced it would eliminate 2,300 freshman slots for Californians in the coming budget year. The total number of freshmen admitted will be reduced from 37,600 to 35,300.
"The lack of sufficient state funding leaves us no choice," UC President Mark G. Yudof said when the reduction was announced Jan. 14.
The decline in funds comes at a time when applications to the UC system from Californians are soaring. The system has cut back faculty development programs. University officials say the latest round of budget cuts could lead to further reductions in student services and an increase in the ratio of students per faculty member.
The Cal State system has also been cutting back at a time when tuition is scheduled to increase 10%. Student fees in that system have more than doubled since 2002, when they were $1,428. They are scheduled to increase to $3,354. Financial aid, meanwhile, is being scaled down.
Schools in the system report canceling dozens of classes. And a hiring freeze for nonessential staff has been put in place systemwide.
"We are risking our long-term economic competitiveness as well as denying students the ability to attend college," said Jean Ross, director of the California Budget Project, a nonprofit Sacramento research group that aims to help low- and middle-income people.
A college education, she said, "is the best guarantee of a job that brings with it sufficient income to support a family."
STATE BUDGET CRISIS MAY HIT STUDENTS IN THE STOMACH
From the Bell Gardens Sun - EGP News
January 31, 2009 - As California lawmakers remain stalled over a solution to the current budget shortfalls, Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) officials announced last week that it may run out of money needed to feed students. For many students, the free and reduced priced school meals may be their only nutritious meals of the day, according to a statement released by L.A. Unified on Jan.23.
“School children cannot learn when they are hungry,” said Superintendent Ramon Cortines. “We have several actions currently underway to drive costs down but, at some point, we could face impacts to the program itself.”
District officials estimate that 78 percent of students in the LAUSD qualify for free and reduced-priced meals. In addition, the number of students who are eligible for the subsidized meals is growing. Even after student enrollment has declined, the District stated that it served more than 10 million additional meals in the last two years.
Since L.A. Unified uses state funds to supplement the federal children’s nutrition program, it estimates that tens of thousands of children, primarily the youngest in the District could have modified meal programs as early as next month.
David Binkel, deputy director of food services for L.A. Unified responded in an email to EGP that if a modification is made, it would go into effect as early as next week through the end of June. A modified meal program will consist of replacing fresh fruit and vegetables with less expensive frozen pieces. In addition, it would offer less whole grain items.
In Cypress Park, Aragon Avenue Elementary Principle, Louis L. Carrillo said he is not aware of any immediate plans to modify the meals served at the school.
“This cut would effect the students of Aragon Elementary is a negative way,” he said.
L.A. unified categorizes Aragon Avenue Elementary, like many schools on the Eastside, as “Provision 2 Universal Feeding,” which means that if enough students in a school qualify; the entire student body is placed in the free and reduced meal program.
For the past two fiscal years, the District has used the balance from its Cafeteria Fund to pay the nutrition program to help cover increased costs. The amount of funds the District now has for cash flow has been reduced and now it will borrow short-term General funds during the current fiscal year.
Cortines said this solution would only make the situation worse for the District and students.
“If this were to occur, a portion of the General Fund loan could turn into a permanent transfer of funds to the Cafeteria Fund, or we could face significant service reductions in the meal program to prevent long-term General Fund support. This supply isn’t an option.”
Michael Eugene, business manager for the LAUSD, said the loss of reimbursement from the State leaves the District with unaffordable costs.
“It is a recipe for failure,” he said.
Food Services Director, Dennis Barrett said that with the projected loss of revenue means the District could lose up to 14 million meals. He said the District serves over 100 million meals per year. The LAUSD services Branch is responsible for the operation of the largest School Breakfast Program (SBP) and the second largest National School Lunch Program (NLSP) in the United States.
At the press conference, district officials announced their support of Assembly Member Tom Torlakson’s legislation, AB95, which would allow the State Superintendent to notify the Legislature of any shortfalls in the Budget Act of 2008-09 to fully fund all free and reduced price meal reimbursement claims. The bill would appropriate $19.5 million to reimburse claims pursuant to those provisions. The bill is scheduled to be heard before a committee on Feb. 6.
HIGHLIGHTS, LOWLIGHTS & THE NEWS THAT DOESN'T FIT: The Rest of the Stories from Other Sources
CTA, PTA BLAST BUDGET PROPOSAL TO ELIMINATE K-3 CLASS SIZE REDUCTION
EDUCATION COALITION BUDGET BRIEFING + 22 News Stories on local impact of budget fiasco
STATEWIDE POLL SHOWS CALIFORNIANS FAVOR PROTECTING K-12 EDUCATION FROM CUTS …AS THE GOVERNOR AND LAWMAKERS CONSIDER SLASHING BILLION$ MORE FROM CALIFORNIA STUDENTS
LAUSD TEACHERS TO BOYCOTT STUDENT TESTS + UTLA BOYCOTT FLYER and Q&A
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 -- LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Teachers for the L.A. Unified School District will boycott what they call unnecessary and expensive students tests starting on Tuesday.
The United Teachers Los Angeles union says the tests are not mandated by the state or federal government and cost as much as $150 million to administer.
The union says that money could be better spent instead of laying off teachers, increasing class sizes and cutting school programs.
The LAUSD has not commented on the boycott.
+ THE UTLA FLYER FROM UTLA.NET (27 Jan)
LAUSD NIXES CHARTER SCHOOL LOAN PLAN: PROPOSAL IS PULLED FROM AGENDA AFTER CRITICISM.
By George B. Sanchez, Staff Writer | LA Newspaper Group
Tuesday, January 27, 2009 - A plan calling for the Los Angeles Unified School District to make short-term loans to charter schools was scrapped after the idea drew sharp criticism from officials who said the district is not a bank.
The proposal, which was to be discussed at today's board meeting, was pulled from the agenda late last week after board members alerted Superintendent Ramon Cortines, who said he didn't know how the plan got on the agenda.
OTHER LAUSD NEWS from Google:
2009 ACADEMIC DECATHLON SEASON BEGINS WITHOUT TAFT
Los Angeles Daily News, CA
We just couldn't convince them." The Los Angeles Unified School District is a national powerhouse in academic decathlon contests.
LAUSD, PARK & REC DEAL TO BE REVIEWED
Daily Breeze, CA
An agreement between the city's Recreation and Parks Department and the Los Angeles Unified School District will be among items discussed at 6:30 pm Monday at a meeting of the Coastal San Pedro Neighborhood Council Recreation andParks Committee.
LOS ANGELES PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS PROTEST BUDGET CUTS AND LAYOFFS
World Socialist Web Site, MI - Jan 30, 2009
As a consequence of California's budget crisis, the Los Angeles Unified School District is anticipating a $500 million budget reduction.
OUT WITH THE TRADING, IN WITH THE DANCING
Downtown LA Scene, CA - Jan 30, 2009
It neighbors the Los Angeles Unified School District headquarters on Beaudry Avenue, and stands within a couple blocks of a new high school, the Edward R. Roybal Learning Center, and residential projects the Belmont Station Apartments and Canvas LA ...
EPCC SUPPORTS UTLA JANUARY 29 MASS ACTION AGAINST LAUSD AND STATE ...
Bay Area Indymedia, CA - Jan 30, 2009
... the Pershing Square to protest budget cuts by the California state Governor and the legislature as well as the excessive and lavish spending spree of Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD)at the expense of teachers as well as the public.
AS THE BAILOUT GOOSE LAYS HER GOLDEN EGGS, WHO IS GUARDING THE ...
Accountingweb.com, OH - Jan 30, 2009
... against fraud in California, and at school districts, after spending 30 years fighting inappropriate spending at the local, state, and federal level, including over six years as the Inspector General of the Los Angeles Unified School District.
THOUSANDS OF LA TEACHERS PROTEST PROPOSED CUTS
San Diego Union Tribune, CA - Jan 30, 2009
AP LOS ANGELES - Thousands of teachers marched through downtown streets Thursday to protest proposed cuts in education staffing.
TEACHERS RALLY AGAINST EDUCATION BUDGET CUTS
Los Angeles Times, CA - Jan 30, 2009
Arnold Schwarzenegger and his proposed budget, but speakers also took aim at the Los Angeles Unified School District and schools Supt. Ramon C. Cortines. "Mr. Cortines, tear down this bureaucracy now," said AJ Duffy, president of United Teachers Los ...
LAT MINIMIZES SCHOOL SEX SCANDALS BUT TRUMPETS FLIMSY STORY ON ...
NewsBusters - Jan 29, 2009
Last November, a coordinator for the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) filed a lawsuit that included the astonishing charge that he had objected to a principal being assigned to a middle school because of a molestation-related investigation ...
EVENTS: Coming up
School Board Member Marlene Canter
and The League of Women Voters of Los Angeles
present
TWO CANDIDATE FORUMS
with LAUSD DISTRICT 4 SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES
MIKE STRYER
Teacher, Fairfax High School
and
STEVE ZIMMER
Teacher, Marshall High School
MONDAY FEB 9
Woodland Hills Academy
20800 Burbank Blvd
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
7:00 – 8:30 pm
WEDNESDAY FEB 11
University High School
11800 Texas Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90025
7:00 – 8:30 pm
and / save the date:
PTA HEALTH FAIR - SATURDAY FEB 21st, 2009
Los Angeles Tenth District PTSA
&
Tenth Street Ready for School Resource Center
Invite you to a
Free Dental and Vision Screening for Adults and Children
Resources on: Oral Health, Nutrition, Developmental Screenings,
Learning Activities, Health Insurance, & Much More!
Tenth District PTSA
1000 Venice Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90015
(213 745-7114)
Saturday, February 21st
9:30A.M.-1:00P.M
*Dates and times subject to change. ________________________________________
• SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION BOND OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE:
http://www.laschools.org/bond/
Phone: 213-241-5183
____________________________________________________
• LAUSD FACILITIES COMMUNITY OUTREACH CALENDAR:
http://www.laschools.org/happenings/
Phone: 213-893-6800
What can YOU do?
• E-mail, call or write your school board member:
Yolie.Flores.Aguilar@lausd.net • 213-241-6383
Marlene.Canter@lausd.net • 213-241-6387
Tamar.Galatzan@lausd.net • 213-241-6386
Monica.Garcia@lausd.net • 213-241-6180
Julie.Korenstein@lausd.net • 213-241-6388
Marguerite.LaMotte@lausd.net • 213-241-6382
Richard.Vladovic@lausd.net • 213-241-6385
...or your city councilperson, mayor, the governor, member of congress, senator - or the president. Tell them what you really think! • There are 26 mayors and five county supervisors representing jurisdictions within LAUSD, the mayor of LA can be reached at mayor@lacity.org • 213.978.0600
• Call or e-mail Governor Schwarzenegger: 213-897-0322 e-mail: http://www.govmail.ca.gov/
• Open the dialogue. Write a letter to the editor. Circulate these thoughts. Talk to the principal and teachers at your local school.
• Speak with your friends, neighbors and coworkers. Stay on top of education issues. Don't take my word for it!
• Get involved at your neighborhood school. Join your PTA. Serve on a School Site Council. Be there for a child.
• Register.
• Vote.
| |  |
| Scott Folsom is a parent leader in LAUSD. He is immediate past President of Los Angeles Tenth District PTSA and represents PTA as Vice-chair on the LAUSD Construction Bond Citizen's Oversight Committee. He is a Community Concerns Commissioner, Legislation Team member and a member of the Board of Managers of the California State PTA. He serves on various school district advisory and policy committees and has served a PTA officer and governance council member at three LAUSD schools.
• In this forum his opinions are his own and your opinions and feedback are invited. Quoted and/or cited content copyright © the original author and/or publisher. All other material copyright © 4LAKids.
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