By Lookout Staff
January 21 – The local Teachers Union is vowing to fight any layoffs the School District might propose to make up a looming budget deficit that could reach as much as $10 million over the next 18 months.
The warning from the union, which was released in a statement Tuesday, comes as school districts across California brace for what could be a record number of layoffs as the State grapples with a massive $45 billion shortfall.
Los Angeles schools, for instance, could let go of more than 2,000 teachers by mid year, union officials said.
The Santa Monica - Malibu union, officials wrote, is “committed to do everything within its power to ensure none of its members receive” a layoff notice later this year.
Unlike most districts in the State, Santa Monica – Malibu schools have the backing of a well-heeled community. The City pumps more than $7 million a year into the system as part of an agreement that allows the public to use district facilities during off hours and voters have continuously approved parcel tax hikes to fund the schools, officials said.
“We are fortunate in our district to have the support of the City Council and the voters,” said Sarah Braff, the union’s vice president.
“Thanks to the Joint Use Agreement and Parcel Tax funding, we are uniquely positioned to protect our schools, classrooms and teachers from the devastating state cuts,” Braff said.
The District also can count on reserves that can be tapped during tough economic times.
“Given the level of unrestricted reserves, we are cautiously optimistic that teacher layoffs will not need to occur this year,” said union President Harry Keiley.
The reserves need to be used to protect jobs, smaller class sizes and the quality of our local public schools, union officials said.
“Our Union is hopeful that the Board of Education will recognize that any reductions which may be necessary, need to occur as far away from the classroom and our students as possible,” Keiley said.
Still, union officials worry local schools are not immune from the severe recession gripping the nation.
“We realize the severity of this economic downturn and realize that the state cuts will cause our district some pain,” said Jenny Lipson, the union’s secretary and a teacher at Grant Elementary.
“However, we believe that with a budget of more than $120 million, there are other areas within the budget that must be reduced prior to making cuts which impact students and teachers,” Lipson said.
