Pink Tuesday

One of the most difficult votes I take as a boardmember is to cut services and issue layoff notices to the great teachers in our district. Just over a week ago, our Board had to face such a decision. Today is the statutory deadline to give out so-called "pink slips" informing teachers that they may not have a job next year. This year, to my dismay, is one of the worst our district has faced in terms of uncertainty and number of employees affected.

The Mercury News reported this morning that nearly every school district in our county, regardless of demographics or wealth, is affected by the state's poor fiscal situation and this year's high degree of uncertainty.

In Berryessa, 99 teachers, administrators, and other certificated employees received notices that they may not have a job next year or may have to change jobs. As I visit schools and talk with young teachers who may not be with us next year, it breaks my heart, both for their careers and for our children, who may not have the benefit of their skills when they return to school in August.

Because we have no idea if the state will eventually adopt Gov. Brown's budget proposal, which includes revenue solutions, school districts must be prepared to make drastic cuts. In order to maintain flexibility, many different services are on the current list. Possible cuts include our district nurse, our district librarian, elementary music teachers, middle school assistant principals, counselors, school psychologists, and classroom teachers.

As we move into April and May, the district will once again try to rescind pink slips as we know more about next year. As some of our senior teachers announce their retirements, openings will be created. In the meantime, some cost savings will be negotiated with our teachers' union (CTAB). Also, the board will begin to prioritize the cuts so that the district will have a better feel for the eventual choices we will make.

However, until the voters have spoken in June (assuming a tax measure get placed on the ballot by the legislature), the district will very likely have to keep many dedicated employees on the layoff list. That will make it a long spring for many of our teachers, administrators, and families.