SOS

Save Ojai Schools

I am writing regarding the proposed California state budget cuts and how they have an effect on our schools.  I am a resident of Ojai, having moved here in 1972 as I entered Matilija Jr. High.  I have three children (24, 21 and 11 years of age) who have been in our school system over the last 20 years and I DID vote for prop. 98 in 1988!  The truth is that Governor Schwarzenegger is really proposing to suspend Proposition 98 which was passed by the California voters in 1988.  I, like many at the time had young children and we expected these funds to provide for our children and future children.  Here we are some 20 years later and that “minimum guaranteed fund” is about to be taken away.  I volunteer on the Site Council and hold the office of PTO Vice President at my child’s public elementary school and I have worked at a local private school for the past 20 years.  I speak from these experiences, when I share with you that fact that all of our schools operate because of dedicated teachers, parents and strong community support.   

We have a big task at hand.  The Governor, in his budget plan has proposed to cut school funds.  You might read the cuts to be 10%, across the board.  You might even think, 10% - not so bad.  Well, then you hear what “10%” really equates to and you realize we need to help.    Ojai schools have been in the unique situation of declining enrollment over the last 8 – 10 years.  Young families simply can’t afford to live in Ojai and as a result our school enrollment continues to drop every year.  This puts a huge financial strain on the District.  Then add in the cuts proposed by the Governor and you will see OUSD is looking at a possible cut of approximately 2 million dollars.  In order for our OUSD board to approve a balanced budget, they need to look at hard decisions which do include closing two schools in the valley.  These cuts will affect our children, larger classes, cutting special education funds, AP classes and enrichment opportunities.  We hear over and over again “No Child left Behind” and yet we propose to take away the very opportunity for them to work to their potential. 

 Please join us in an aggressive letter writing campaign to the Governor.  We hope to flood the mailboxes, email and fax systems of our local legislators and those at the top.  The time frame is short, in which we have to make a difference.  Make your letter simple and heartfelt and be sure to write.  California is the wealthiest state in the union and yet our spending per student ranks 46^th.  How can we stand for that?    In California (in 2005) we spent $7,081.00 per child, on education.  According to the Ca. Department of Corrections; the budget per inmate per year is $43,300.00.  

When will our children be our biggest priority?