Blog Entries - Julie's Board Blog

Like every 5:00 SDUSD Board Meeting, Tuesday's meeting began with public testimony. Only one person signed up to speak. Lo and behold, it was me! I wasn't quite prepared to be first much less the only, but I made my way up to the podium with five bulky manila envelopes. Each addressed to one of the Board members and each containing copies of the 270 singed letters from Longfellow parents and grand-parents. I made a short and sweet statement that the letters asked the Board to support public school funding specifically for dedicated magnet schools. I was sure to let them know that we had mailed these letters to Governor Schwarzenegger in late December. Mr. de Beck and Mr. Barrera both thanked me for the letters and sending them to Governor S.  I did notice Ms. Nakamura open her packet and at least skim through the first letter.

... that concluded the public testimony.

Was our point made? We can only hope.

The Board called this special meeting to discuss "priority based budgeting" to continue the 2010/11 budget process. I heard a lot of words but didn't get the feeling of any action. Some important words I heard: Both Ms. Nakamura and Mr. de Beck voiced their support of magnet schools and the bussing. (They both have expressed their support throughout the past couple of months.) All Board Members want a well-rounded education for all students. Mr. Barrera stated that schools need to be treated differently and a program that works at one may not work at another.

I did not stay for or listen to the whole meeting.

Important dates to note:

• Governor S. releases first State budget next week.
• The next SDUSD Board budget workshop is February 2.
• May is the deadline for final layoff notices.
• Final 2010/11 SDUSD budget approved in June.

Thanks for reading the blog. Keep the pressure on our elected officials to fund public schools! Keep your emails, letters, and phone calls going to the Board and to your State legislatures. We are the only ones speaking for OUR children.