A Letter to IUSD School Board, Schools Chief

Got this via email:

April 3, 2008

Trustees of the Irvine Unified School District
Superintendent Dr. Gwen Gross
Irvine Unified School District
5050 Barranca Parkway
Irvine, CA 92604

Dear Trustees and Dr. Gwen Gross:

As concerned parents as well as members of the Executive Board of the Irvine Council PTA, we the undersigned respectfully request that the Irvine Unified School District Board postpone the scheduled Board Action regarding the proposed cost reductions for the 2008-2009 IUSD budget. Currently, this vote is scheduled for April 15th, 2008 and we suggest that this action be postponed until after the publication of the Governor’s May Revise budget, currently scheduled on or about May 10, 2008.

The California State budget remains uncertain and is still subject to intense debate and negotiation. The staff, parents and community of Irvine have barely begun their efforts on behalf of our schools. Many California school districts are continuing to have town hall or community forums seeking input on their budget throughout the month of April. We suggest that IUSD consider hosting additional community meetings to both educate the community as well as to collect feedback.

Additionally, we suggest that IUSD create a prioritized list of proposed reductions that clearly outlines the order in which reductions would be made and clearly states which items would be reinstated based on additional funding becoming available.

We feel that the ability to make decisions based on more specific legislative information as well as input from the community outweigh any advantages gained by an early adoption of the cuts. Once lost, many of these programs will never be regained and we strongly believe that it is in the best interest of our children to give the most time and consideration possible before implementing any reductions that affect the classrooms.

Because there remains a possibility that the May Revise may not require cuts to education as severe as projected, decisions on any reductions should be delayed.

Irvine Unified Council PTA represents over 12,500 members who are committed to supporting the students of IUSD. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the IUSD School Board to insure the best outcome for all Irvine children.

Sincerely,

Kim Axene
President, Irvine Unified Council PTA
(on behalf of IUCPTA Executive Board)

Linda Lang-Pierce, Vice President, Communications
Francine Mooney, Vice President, Programs
Laura Cook, Vice President, Membership
Ramaa Bhasin, Secretary
Bill Tomlinson, Treasurer
Lauren Brooks, Financial Secretary
Nickie Martin, Auditor
Manette Quinn, Parliamentarian
Leslie Lindgren, Historian
Wendy Bokota, Legislative Action Chair
Amy Tingirides, Reflections Chair
Steffanie Early, Hospitality Chair

CC: Irvine PTA Unit Presidents, Jerry Mandel, IPSF, Lita Robinow, IPSF