If you are an member of the Natomas Teachers' Association, and if you receive a letter (next week) and/or email (check Friday's school email) stating a layoff, please attend a meeting next Thursday, June 25th, at 3:30 in the District Office Boardroom, to meet with the CTA attorney, for a Q & A, and to set up your hearing appointment.
If you are a "fee-payer" (not an NTA member) or did not receive the email on Friday, there is no need for you to attend this meeting.
As you might imagine, this news comes with deep regret and anguish for our teaching and counseling staff. :-(
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
A Message from David Sanchez, CTA President
June 16, 2009 - State Budget Deficit Grows
CTA Calls for Rescinding Tax Breaks to Businesses
With the defeat of the Special Election initiatives and further declining revenues, the state budget deficit is once again at $24 billion and Governor Schwarzenegger has once again proposed cuts to education, health care and other vital services. Public schools and colleges are looking at another $6 billion in cuts on top of the $11.6 billion as part of the budget agreement approved in February.
First, I want to thank everyone for all their work in the May Special Election. From the beginning, we knew this was going to be a tough campaign as voters were rightfully upset with lawmakers for failing to do their jobs, but I am proud of all of the phone calls and work by CTA members in this effort. CTA has already started legal action to ensure that our schools and colleges are paid the money they are owed under the state�s minimum school funding law and is working with legislative leaders to include a payback provision as part of the final state budget legislation. The �maintenance factor� owed to schools and community colleges is now nearly $10 billion.
May Revision and More Revenues
Technically, the state budget has been approved, but the Legislature must now make final �adjustments� to close the growing deficit. CTA, the Education Coalition and other labor unions are calling on lawmakers to support additional revenues as part of the adjusted budget agreement. It starts with rescinding the corporate tax breaks approved by lawmakers over the past two years, which would raise more than $2.5 billion annually. Students and public schools should not be taking additional budget cuts, while businesses are getting tax breaks. CTA also supports proposals for an oil severance tax. Democratic leaders are putting together a compromise budget proposal and are expected to send it to the Budget Conference Committee this week. State Controller John Chiang has warned lawmakers that a final budget must be approved by the end of the month to avoid a complete fiscal meltdown in the state by July 28.
August Layoffs
CTA�s Legal Department is helping chapters prepare for August layoff notices. About 17 school districts have indicated they are planning summer layoffs. The final deadline is August 15. So far, nearly 16,000 of the layoff notices sent in March have been confirmed, while more than 11,000 notices have been rescinded.
Duncan and Data
Secretary of Education Arne Duncan has been talking a lot about California lately and, unfortunately, he has a few facts wrong. Following a visit to a school in San Francisco, Duncan attacked California�s statewide data system for failing to uniformly link student test scores to teachers and determine teacher effectiveness. In reality, California law reflects CTA�s strong belief in local control. It allows student data, including scores on criterion referenced tests, to be used in local districts to improve student learning, help guide instruction, identify professional development needs and evaluate teachers. CTA believes those decisions are best made at the local level, rather than creating another costly statewide bureaucracy.
New Hope for National Health Care Reform
With more than 47 million people, including 6.6 million in California, without health insurance, it is way past time for health care reform. CTA and NEA are working with a broad coalition of organizations to support affordable and quality health care for all as President Obama rolls out his plan this week. CTA and NEA support health care reforms that guarantee a choice of health care plans and providers through existing insurance plans, and that provide a government-sponsored public health insurance plan. Visit the Health Care Action Center at www.nea.org for more information.
Getting a Complete Count
The 2010 Census is just around the corner and as the state prepares to ensure that every Californian is counted, I have been appointed to serve on the state�s California Complete Count Committee. The committee represents the diverse population, geography and organizations in California and will work with the Census Bureau to coordinate outreach. The Census determines how federal funds are distributed throughout the state and the number of congressional seats designated for California. For the first time in its 150 year history, California could lose a seat.
Time for CTA Summer Conferences
As the traditional school year ends, CTA Summer Conferences begin. The National Education Association�s Annual Representative Assembly will be held over the July 4th weekend in San Diego. More than 1,200 CTA delegates will attend. A number of policies and issues will be discussed, including the reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind Act, which is now scheduled for next January. Education Secretary Duncan will listen to educator concerns during a town hall meeting at the RA on July 2.
The 54th CTA President�s Conference will be held at the end of July in Monterey. With state budget cuts and a gubernatorial election, it is going to be a busy year. And finally, whether you are looking to polish your bargaining skills, understand school finance, organize your local community, or build a culture for success at your school, register to attend the CTA Summer Institute. The Summer Institute will be held August 2-7 at UCLA in Los Angeles. You can register online at www.cta.org.
California Teachers Association
CTA Calls for Rescinding Tax Breaks to Businesses
With the defeat of the Special Election initiatives and further declining revenues, the state budget deficit is once again at $24 billion and Governor Schwarzenegger has once again proposed cuts to education, health care and other vital services. Public schools and colleges are looking at another $6 billion in cuts on top of the $11.6 billion as part of the budget agreement approved in February.
First, I want to thank everyone for all their work in the May Special Election. From the beginning, we knew this was going to be a tough campaign as voters were rightfully upset with lawmakers for failing to do their jobs, but I am proud of all of the phone calls and work by CTA members in this effort. CTA has already started legal action to ensure that our schools and colleges are paid the money they are owed under the state�s minimum school funding law and is working with legislative leaders to include a payback provision as part of the final state budget legislation. The �maintenance factor� owed to schools and community colleges is now nearly $10 billion.
May Revision and More Revenues
Technically, the state budget has been approved, but the Legislature must now make final �adjustments� to close the growing deficit. CTA, the Education Coalition and other labor unions are calling on lawmakers to support additional revenues as part of the adjusted budget agreement. It starts with rescinding the corporate tax breaks approved by lawmakers over the past two years, which would raise more than $2.5 billion annually. Students and public schools should not be taking additional budget cuts, while businesses are getting tax breaks. CTA also supports proposals for an oil severance tax. Democratic leaders are putting together a compromise budget proposal and are expected to send it to the Budget Conference Committee this week. State Controller John Chiang has warned lawmakers that a final budget must be approved by the end of the month to avoid a complete fiscal meltdown in the state by July 28.
August Layoffs
CTA�s Legal Department is helping chapters prepare for August layoff notices. About 17 school districts have indicated they are planning summer layoffs. The final deadline is August 15. So far, nearly 16,000 of the layoff notices sent in March have been confirmed, while more than 11,000 notices have been rescinded.
Duncan and Data
Secretary of Education Arne Duncan has been talking a lot about California lately and, unfortunately, he has a few facts wrong. Following a visit to a school in San Francisco, Duncan attacked California�s statewide data system for failing to uniformly link student test scores to teachers and determine teacher effectiveness. In reality, California law reflects CTA�s strong belief in local control. It allows student data, including scores on criterion referenced tests, to be used in local districts to improve student learning, help guide instruction, identify professional development needs and evaluate teachers. CTA believes those decisions are best made at the local level, rather than creating another costly statewide bureaucracy.
New Hope for National Health Care Reform
With more than 47 million people, including 6.6 million in California, without health insurance, it is way past time for health care reform. CTA and NEA are working with a broad coalition of organizations to support affordable and quality health care for all as President Obama rolls out his plan this week. CTA and NEA support health care reforms that guarantee a choice of health care plans and providers through existing insurance plans, and that provide a government-sponsored public health insurance plan. Visit the Health Care Action Center at www.nea.org for more information.
Getting a Complete Count
The 2010 Census is just around the corner and as the state prepares to ensure that every Californian is counted, I have been appointed to serve on the state�s California Complete Count Committee. The committee represents the diverse population, geography and organizations in California and will work with the Census Bureau to coordinate outreach. The Census determines how federal funds are distributed throughout the state and the number of congressional seats designated for California. For the first time in its 150 year history, California could lose a seat.
Time for CTA Summer Conferences
As the traditional school year ends, CTA Summer Conferences begin. The National Education Association�s Annual Representative Assembly will be held over the July 4th weekend in San Diego. More than 1,200 CTA delegates will attend. A number of policies and issues will be discussed, including the reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind Act, which is now scheduled for next January. Education Secretary Duncan will listen to educator concerns during a town hall meeting at the RA on July 2.
The 54th CTA President�s Conference will be held at the end of July in Monterey. With state budget cuts and a gubernatorial election, it is going to be a busy year. And finally, whether you are looking to polish your bargaining skills, understand school finance, organize your local community, or build a culture for success at your school, register to attend the CTA Summer Institute. The Summer Institute will be held August 2-7 at UCLA in Los Angeles. You can register online at www.cta.org.
California Teachers Association
Monday, June 15, 2009
Teacher Layoff Hearings Mtg- Updated Date and Location
Announcing a meeting for potential layoff teachers, tentatively scheduled to be held at the District Office Board Room for Thursday, June 25th, at 3:30 pm.
Although the names have not been finalized, and those teachers have not been notified, please keep this date and time open for you to attend if you are in the bottom of the district seniority list - we have approx.540 teachers on the list, so anyone over 400 should save the date, just to be on the safe side. We will know more after Wednesday night's school board meeting.
Update - as of 5:00 pm Thursday - still no list given to NTA!
Update #2 = as of 8:30 am Friday - still no list. !!
Update #3 = Email went out on district email. Teachers, please check your school emails.
Although the names have not been finalized, and those teachers have not been notified, please keep this date and time open for you to attend if you are in the bottom of the district seniority list - we have approx.540 teachers on the list, so anyone over 400 should save the date, just to be on the safe side. We will know more after Wednesday night's school board meeting.
Update - as of 5:00 pm Thursday - still no list given to NTA!
Update #2 = as of 8:30 am Friday - still no list. !!
Update #3 = Email went out on district email. Teachers, please check your school emails.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
General Membership Meeting
Announcing a General Membership meeting for all NTA members on Tuesday, June 9th, 4:00 pm at Natomas High School Library. (note change from other notices)
We need to hear from members on negotiable items before the traditional school year is out, so that NTA can move forward with negotiations, and the ever-changing and unprecendented state budget crisis affecting our district budget.
We need to hear from members on negotiable items before the traditional school year is out, so that NTA can move forward with negotiations, and the ever-changing and unprecendented state budget crisis affecting our district budget.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Natomas USD in the News
The following articles have come out in the past week regarding the Natomas USD:
http://www.sacbee.com/latest/story/1917562.html (regarding the latest budget cuts)
http://www.sacbee.com/breton/story/1913928.html (addressing the SRO cuts)
http://www.sacbee.com/ourregion/story/1893840.html (regarding Grand Jury Report)
http://www.sacbee.com/ourregion/story/1893291.html (regarding Grand Jury report)
http://www.sacgrandjury.org/ (Grand Jury report)
http://www.sacbee.com/latest/story/1917562.html (regarding the latest budget cuts)
http://www.sacbee.com/breton/story/1913928.html (addressing the SRO cuts)
http://www.sacbee.com/ourregion/story/1893840.html (regarding Grand Jury Report)
http://www.sacbee.com/ourregion/story/1893291.html (regarding Grand Jury report)
http://www.sacgrandjury.org/ (Grand Jury report)
A Message from the Natomas USD Superintendent
Good Afternoon Everyone:
Last night our school board met again to address the worst budget crisis of our time. They approved a $2.9 million package of budget cuts, and are scheduled to meet weekly throughout the month of June to consider up to $8 million more in cuts by month’s end.
These are the highlights of the reductions approved last night:
- Reassign teachers facing layoffs into a pool of longterm substitute teachers, savings to be determined – potentially up to $1 million
- Increase class sizes in grades 2 and 3 to 30 students to 1 teacher, $750,000
- Close under-enrolled Regional Occupational Program (ROP) classes, $232,000
- Increase student meal prices by 50 cents and open new points of sale at Natomas High’s Terrace Cafe to generate more sales, $230,000
- Cut 2.5 positions for secondary social studies, $145,000
- Make further reductions in the support staff at the Education Center, $166,000
- Increase the distance students walk before busing is provided, $100,000
- Eliminate an unfilled elementary vice principal position, $96,000
- Reduce use of the Tungsten program, $45,000
- Cancel elementary summer school but keep high school summer school (middle school summer school will be addressed next week), $28,000
- Implement further energy savings including keeping the swimming pool at Natomas High open only June-September and turning off the stadium lights at Natomas High and Inderkum High in the evenings, $24,500
- Trim staff development budget for certificated staff, $21,516
- Reduce the contribution to the Natomas Schools Foundation, $16,000
- Reduce school decentralized supply budgets by 10 percent, $70,000
As you may know, the state budget crisis is worsening by the day and school districts across the state are having their state income reduced even more drastically than anticipated just weeks ago.
To put this in some context – during the Great Depression, budgets for education were cut by 25 percent over a five-year period. In California, we are facing a 25 percent reduction in state funding over just two years, according to some estimates.
Below are some of the possible budget cuts that may be under consideration at the June 11 special meeting of the Board of Trustees:
- Closing schools, $300,000 to $400,000
- Temporarily closing Bannon Creek Elementary for construction safety concerns during the conversion of the campus from a K-5 to a K-8 school (this construction project is using bond dollars that cannot be used for other expenses such as staff salaries and student supplies), $250,000
- Authorizing targeted layoffs, variable savings
- Eliminating athletics, $357,425
- Putting more/all schools on multi-track year-round schedules with a school closure, $400,000
- Having a four-day school week, $250,000
- More energy savings that include letting our lawns go brown, $40,000 or more
- Not purchasing school workbooks, $300,000
- Eliminating all bus transportation except for special education students (a mandated service), $862,000
- Eliminating all Tier III categorical programs, $1.4 million
- Staff furloughs, variable savings
- Eliminating P.E. for high school juniors and seniors and only offering the class at the freshman/sophomore level, $232,000
- Further review of increasing class sizes at the K-1 level (the Board already approved increasing class sizes at every grade level by 1), savings to be determined
Still to be addressed are issues of employee compensation that are subject to negotiations. Please note the following potential savings:
- Freeze step-and-column increases, $1.68 million or the equivalent of 29 teaching positions
- Implement furlough days, $283,363 per each furlough day or the equivalent of 5 teaching positions
- 3 percent salary reduction for all employees and administrators, $1.644 million or the equivalent of 28 teaching positions
- Eliminate compensation for class size overages, $236,000 or the equivalent of 4 teaching positions
In a related matter, our district is working to resolve the issue of School Resource Officers at Inderkum High and Natomas High. I’d like to note that we are in discussions with other agencies to provide this service at a lower cost than our contract with the Sacramento Police Department which ends June 30.
I’d also like to provide clarification on another important issue: How we pay for one-time land purchases/school construction vs. how we pay for ongoing expenses like salaries and school supplies:
- The funds for land purchases/school construction come from separate money “pots,” if you will, and can’t be comingled with funds for salaries and school supplies.
- We have built our new schools, modernized our campuses and purchased the West Lakeside property for future school use with voter-approved school bond money and land developer fees, among other sources dedicated just for this use.
-We pay for our salaries, school supplies and all other ongoing educational expenses out of the general fund – typically money that comes from state and federal sources.
As I said in yesterday’s message, I wish there was better news to report on the state budget crisis and how it’s affecting school districts across the state. I look forward to the day when education once again is made the top financial priority that it deserves to be in California.
Last night our school board met again to address the worst budget crisis of our time. They approved a $2.9 million package of budget cuts, and are scheduled to meet weekly throughout the month of June to consider up to $8 million more in cuts by month’s end.
These are the highlights of the reductions approved last night:
- Reassign teachers facing layoffs into a pool of longterm substitute teachers, savings to be determined – potentially up to $1 million
- Increase class sizes in grades 2 and 3 to 30 students to 1 teacher, $750,000
- Close under-enrolled Regional Occupational Program (ROP) classes, $232,000
- Increase student meal prices by 50 cents and open new points of sale at Natomas High’s Terrace Cafe to generate more sales, $230,000
- Cut 2.5 positions for secondary social studies, $145,000
- Make further reductions in the support staff at the Education Center, $166,000
- Increase the distance students walk before busing is provided, $100,000
- Eliminate an unfilled elementary vice principal position, $96,000
- Reduce use of the Tungsten program, $45,000
- Cancel elementary summer school but keep high school summer school (middle school summer school will be addressed next week), $28,000
- Implement further energy savings including keeping the swimming pool at Natomas High open only June-September and turning off the stadium lights at Natomas High and Inderkum High in the evenings, $24,500
- Trim staff development budget for certificated staff, $21,516
- Reduce the contribution to the Natomas Schools Foundation, $16,000
- Reduce school decentralized supply budgets by 10 percent, $70,000
As you may know, the state budget crisis is worsening by the day and school districts across the state are having their state income reduced even more drastically than anticipated just weeks ago.
To put this in some context – during the Great Depression, budgets for education were cut by 25 percent over a five-year period. In California, we are facing a 25 percent reduction in state funding over just two years, according to some estimates.
Below are some of the possible budget cuts that may be under consideration at the June 11 special meeting of the Board of Trustees:
- Closing schools, $300,000 to $400,000
- Temporarily closing Bannon Creek Elementary for construction safety concerns during the conversion of the campus from a K-5 to a K-8 school (this construction project is using bond dollars that cannot be used for other expenses such as staff salaries and student supplies), $250,000
- Authorizing targeted layoffs, variable savings
- Eliminating athletics, $357,425
- Putting more/all schools on multi-track year-round schedules with a school closure, $400,000
- Having a four-day school week, $250,000
- More energy savings that include letting our lawns go brown, $40,000 or more
- Not purchasing school workbooks, $300,000
- Eliminating all bus transportation except for special education students (a mandated service), $862,000
- Eliminating all Tier III categorical programs, $1.4 million
- Staff furloughs, variable savings
- Eliminating P.E. for high school juniors and seniors and only offering the class at the freshman/sophomore level, $232,000
- Further review of increasing class sizes at the K-1 level (the Board already approved increasing class sizes at every grade level by 1), savings to be determined
Still to be addressed are issues of employee compensation that are subject to negotiations. Please note the following potential savings:
- Freeze step-and-column increases, $1.68 million or the equivalent of 29 teaching positions
- Implement furlough days, $283,363 per each furlough day or the equivalent of 5 teaching positions
- 3 percent salary reduction for all employees and administrators, $1.644 million or the equivalent of 28 teaching positions
- Eliminate compensation for class size overages, $236,000 or the equivalent of 4 teaching positions
In a related matter, our district is working to resolve the issue of School Resource Officers at Inderkum High and Natomas High. I’d like to note that we are in discussions with other agencies to provide this service at a lower cost than our contract with the Sacramento Police Department which ends June 30.
I’d also like to provide clarification on another important issue: How we pay for one-time land purchases/school construction vs. how we pay for ongoing expenses like salaries and school supplies:
- The funds for land purchases/school construction come from separate money “pots,” if you will, and can’t be comingled with funds for salaries and school supplies.
- We have built our new schools, modernized our campuses and purchased the West Lakeside property for future school use with voter-approved school bond money and land developer fees, among other sources dedicated just for this use.
-We pay for our salaries, school supplies and all other ongoing educational expenses out of the general fund – typically money that comes from state and federal sources.
As I said in yesterday’s message, I wish there was better news to report on the state budget crisis and how it’s affecting school districts across the state. I look forward to the day when education once again is made the top financial priority that it deserves to be in California.
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