Friday, February 26, 2010

Budget Rally: ‘Stand up for schools March 4’ Elk Grove Citizen : News

Elk Grove Citizen : News

Budget Rally: ‘Stand up for schools March 4’


Published: Thursday, February 25, 2010 4:06 PM PST
Elk Grove Unified School District educators, classified school employees, parents and community members  will participate on March 4 in  the  “Stand Up for Schools” by passing out information on the budget crisis for Elk Grove schools. It is  part of a statewide day of action by the California Teachers Association, other education organizations, higher education and labor unions.

“It is to show the pain unprecedented budget cuts is causing our students and schools, and stop the cuts to public education and other essential services,” said Tom Gardner, president of the  Elk Grove Education Association (teachers’ union).

“We have printed 12,000 information fliers that display our school district is facing $60 million in cuts and if the cuts uphold then there will be 500 plus pink slipped teachers, no librarians, no counselors, increased class size and more,” said Gardner.   

“The March 4 day of action by teachers and other public workers is helping to heighten the awareness of the havoc $17 billion statewide in cuts over two years is wreaking on students and schools,” said Gardner. “Our class sizes are soaring, schools are cutting art, music, career technical education and other vital programs and thousands of educators face more pink slips on March 15. Quality public schools build strong communities and we have joined together to say our children deserve better. Investing in public education is the best investment we can make in their future.