San Diego Unified School District logo
March 2008  
California Budget Crisis
What Can You Do About It?
On January 10, Governor Schwarzenegger released his state budget proposal that seeks to address the state’s estimated $14 billion deficit. His proposal calls for the largest reduction to education funding in California history. For 2008-09, the Governor wants the Legislature to suspend Proposition 98 (the minimum funding guarantee for schools) and cut $4.4 billion (more than 9%) in education funds.

San Diego Unified has had to build its 2008-09 budget based on an $80 million deficit. Positions are being cut. Programs are being eliminated. On March 15, more than 900 certificated employees received possible lay-off notices. On April 22, the Board of Education decides on classified employee cuts.

It is the district’s hope that the budget situation will improve and it will not be necessary to implement the cuts. In the meantime, employees, parents, students and other education stakeholders want to know “What Can I Do?” As the Governor and the Legislature consider these massive cuts, it’s important for voices to be heard.

Several websites have been established that include information on how to contact the Governor and legislators, sample letters, and details on Proposition 98. For a list of these websites, go to http://www.sandi.net/budget/whatcanido.html.