Monday, July 2, 2012

Thoughts On Beach City Budget Issues

Redondo Beach Teacher's Association President Amy Santa Cruz claimed that the students of Redondo Beach Unified will suffer if the district imposes seventeen furlough days for the next school year to make up for the immense budget short falls hitting California's public schools.


Judging from the politicking which has forced the resignation of a well-respected band teacher at Parras Middle School -- as well as Redondo Union High School varsity basketball coach Tom Maier -- it would appear that the students are already suffering because of the school board's poor and self-centered district leadership.

A few misplaced words or a tough but fair demeanor never justify dismissing excellent employees. Even students receive more due process than most teachers these days.

The Hermosa Beach City School District raised revenue through local donations. At least the out-going Superintendent actually suggested that district leadership come up with ways to raise revenue! School districts need to think economically instead of asking for more money.

Manhattan Beach teachers demand a pay raise after ten years without one. If teachers are willing to lose lock-step pay increases and easy tenure for merit pay with more flexibility for district leadership to dismiss ineffective teachers, then the school board should pay up!

Public education in the Beach Cities is facing many crises resulting from short-sighted leadership in Sacramento and our local school boards. School districts do not need more money. They need accountable leadership, more local control for parents and teachers, innovative ideas, and less "union-school board" politicking.

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