Community Commentary:

All that needs to be done to balance the state budget, according to those who rule the quagmire of inaptitude in the governor’s office, is to reduce the number of days students attend school and slash a billion dollars here and there from what schools expect to receive from the state to teach children.

The proposed “brilliant” solution to the state budgetary problem is to keep children home, lay off teachers and staff, shut down the utilities, empty the halls and classrooms and stop the teaching. And voila, the state will save a few dollars and survive its financial debacle. Something is drastically wrong with this proposal.

There is another side to this picture. The victims of the state budget paralysis and fiasco are the students, teachers and parents who are facing a new year of uncertainty, confusion and real pain. The present Sacramento stalemate and the lack of courageous leadership, respectful cooperation, sensible negotiations and realistic solutions to the state’s budget crisis have added to the budgetary woes and uncertainties facing local school districts. And as the legislative paralysis and impasse drag on in Sacramento, the potential damage is to children and to the economic vitality and productivity of the state. Our children must be protected.

One need not look too far to understand the gravity of the financial crisis and its impact on the Glendale schools. Two months ago, Glendale Supt. Michael Escalante estimated that the proposed midyear state reduction to the schools will mean a shortfall of up to $8.8 million. This reduction is not chump change. Now, the state gurus have upped the ante and are calling for a reduction in midyear funds as well as a reduction in the number of days for the school year. These proposals are unsound and pose a serious disruption to the education of students and the instructional programs, and to the lives of teachers, staff and families.

California school districts are funded by the state legislature. Local school boards have the legal responsibility to develop a balanced budget that provides for academic and career programs for students; pay teacher and staff salaries and benefits; reimburse merchants for instructional materials and supplies; pay for utilities; maintain safe and healthy classrooms; and fund maintenance, renovations and upgrades. School boards develop their budgets based on the expectation and good faith that the state will meet its legal obligation to fund the schools.