When Gilroy Unified School District board members addressed the
statewide fiscal education crisis in a special study session held
Thursday night – one of a series scheduled through March – trustees
faced a daunting smorgasbord of possible budget cuts, coupled with
a candid address from Michelle Nelson, president of Gilroy Teachers
Association.
To offer budget input, click here
When Gilroy Unified School District board members addressed the statewide fiscal education crisis in a special study session held Thursday night – one of a series scheduled through March – trustees faced a daunting smorgasbord of possible budget cuts, coupled with a candid address from Michelle Nelson, president of Gilroy Teachers Association.
“Whether it is perception or reality, the perception is that the board does not listen to its employees,” said Nelson. “It is also important to note that it is not just what you say that makes an impression, but what you do. It is not only the cuts you choose to make, but also the cuts you choose not to make that show where your priorities are.”
Despite the study session’s time crunch, the address sparked considerable murmurs from the audience and ensuing discourse amongst trustees.
Earlier this week, Nelson had expressed frustration over the phone and in e-mails concerning the lack of a budget committee that would include members from GUSD management, the GTA, the Gilroy Federation of Teachers and Paraprofessionals and California School Employees Association – something Nelson maintained she requested two months ago.
Flores countered Thursday over the phone that the budget study sessions already open to the public provide a broad-based forum for a wide range of school community members wishing to attend and express their input.
Nelson said a committee with the involvement of all the stakeholders will increase the number, variety and depth of creative ideas in the current budget climate, and help prevent an “us” against “them” mentality.
“It is important to bear in mind that the employees who are not members of the management team are in a more difficult financial situation,” she said.
For example, Nelson argued a five percent cut for an employee who makes six figures is “quite different” than a five percent cut for an employee who is barely above the poverty line.
In an e-mail sent this morning, she also said the GTA has consistently asked the district to evaluate its programs once they have been implemented, but said the district has done a “poor job” evaluating anything – on top of continuing to “buy even more untested/untried things.”
She acknowledged the district’s online suggestion forum – which allows the staff and public to submit ideas – but said “it is worth noting that many employees feel more comfortable submitting ideas to their own organizations, rather than to the district.”
Flores said the online option resulted in receiving five pages of ideas on how to reduce the budget and increase revenue last year.
Several GUSD trustees were openly receptive to Nelson’s angle, but noted the time-consuming osmosis process it takes to filter questions and negotiations through multiple parties is a major factor.
Trustee Tom Bundros said he supported Nelson’s position wholeheartedly, but said time constraints such as the statutory March 15 deadline to provide layoff notices have placed a major pinch on the tasks at hand.
“We’re not going to get by shaving a couple hundred thousand here or there,” he said, referring to the $3.3 million GUSD already must cut from its budget.
If temporary tax increases proposed by Gov. Jerry Brown aren’t approved by voters in a special June 2011 election, GUSD will have to cut $7.3 million.
“We’ll be looking at furlough days, class sizes and cuts in programs,” said Bundros. “That’s where the leverage is. I don’t see a way around that.”
He also brought up across-the-board salary reductions, inquiring about the possibility of the willingness to take salary cuts so less jobs would be lost.
“It’s a negotiated item,” said GUSD Superintendent Deborah Flores. “I don’t think the district could pull staff aside and say ‘what would you prefer? Furlough or reductions?'”
Trustee Dom Payne said he appreciated Nelson’s suggestion. He maintained he was open to input and the actualization of the plan she had presented – but with the understanding there is a timeline, and that things would have to be streamlined and move quickly.
“I’d be more than willing to make time and be part of that, with understanding that decision would have to be made soon,” he said.
Trustee Jaime Rosso echoed Payne, asserting everything must be on the fast track.
“We live and breathe this as board members,” he said. “We also recognize the value and input of the staff. But if we try to make a committee of everybody in the community, this will not get done in 30 days … how many people are gonna meet and have a decision that we can act on in 30 days?”
Dialogue continued until the study session came to a close around 7 p.m. As people began to file out of the room, several on their way out paused at the door as Nelson once again took the floor to offer a closing comment.
“I asked the board for a formation of a committee two months ago,” she said. “We are willing to work evenings, weekends, whatever. We want to solve the budget problem as much as you do. We want to make sure cuts are spread equitably across the board.”
Nelson ended and was met with brief applause. The board then convened to regular session.
To offer budget input, click here
GUSD Budget advisory
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GTA speech to board
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