ANDREW SHORTHALL | staff writer
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is attempting to repair California’s budget, but it is going to cost school districts? He wants to take tax money from them to help the economy, $4.8 billion in public school funding over the next fi scal year to be exact.
This proposition would set a new record in low funding for education. This proposal is drawing opposition, not only from Democrats, but from his own party, the Republicans. The effects of these proposed cuts would be harmful in a number of ways. They would force the schools to lay off faculty, while raising the number of students per classroom, which could have adverse effects on the quality of education. The California Teachers Association estimates that 14,000 teachers have already received pink slips in preparation for the new budget cut.
All this so Schwarzenegger would not have to raise taxes. “I don’t agree with Schwarzenegger taking money out of the education system because I want to be a teacher and the schools already have a low budget,” sophomore liberal studies major Kim Straaberg said.
Straaberg especially fears special education programs will be severely affected after already facing a high defi cit. “Education is the institution you shouldn’t be taking money out of,” Straaberg said. The proposed cutbacks have already had an effect on certain public schools.
For example, Saddleback Unifi ed Valley has already sent out 181 pink slips to teachers and other staff. They need to fi nd some way to deal with the budget cut of $19.3 million they are facing next year, and state law requires teachers to be notifi ed if they will have a job next year by March 15.
Many other schools are being forced to decide who is expendable. Schwarzenegger held a speech last year at KIPP Adelante public school, where he acknowledged the importance of children and schools because of their minds for the future. So what happened? Is he undoing the good?
“One of the most important things for a healthy economy is the education of the people who will be part of the economy in the future,” freshman undeclared major Rachel Cavanaugh said.
Students will sow back into the community what they reaped in their education, Cavanaugh said. This will help society and the overall economy.
Ultimately, Schwarzenegger’s plans will have little bearing on himself and family. His children already attend an elite private school so the public education budget cuts would not hit home. Schwarzenegger has proposed these cuts to public school funding in order to balance the state’s budget, but why cut from education departments? California already ranks near the bottom on providing for public school education. According to Education Week, California ranks 47th in America on government spending per student. California is reportedly spending $1,900 less per student on a national average. Now Schwarzenegger wants to take more. Essentially, the California
Governor is harming the future in order to mend the present economy. It does not seem logical. Eventually, the future will catch up with California.
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