Parents Advocate League Update
by Julie Collier

Another fun evening was spent at CUSD on April 21 that went into the early morning (the meeting was not over until about midnight).

During Oral Communications, teacher Erin Love discussed the generation of teachers being RIF'd. She explained that most of the pink-slipped teachers are exceedingly skilled due to the higher-education level required at the time of their training about 10 years ago. They are the teachers who took more state tests in order to get a credential, as well as completing a higher level of continued education during their first two years of teaching. Love stated, "They are not replaceable."

CUSD parent Kim Lefner discussed the pipeline (that carries jet fuel from Los Angeles Co. to San Diego Co.) near San Juan Hills High School that is not in compliance with building laws. She requested assurance from CUSD to the public that it is safe and that all discussion by Carter and the board should be in the open, not in closed session. She also stated that this situation should be reviewed by independent experts.

Two people discussed the elimination of classified employees that was approved by the board due to the budget cuts. The cuts affect 73 classified positions, such as custodians, aides and technical support. One classified employee said that classified presence is not noticed until it is gone. She also stated that without these people, CUSD cannot maintain the level of service required for our district.

Supt. Carter stated the May revision of the budget could prove to be worse than expected, and next year could be even worse. He showed a "wheel of fortune" chart depicting items that would be restored if the budget improves. Unfortunately, the wheel was not a list of priorities, just wedges of costs; therefore, we do not know what will be restored first. As of this writing, the wheel of fortune chart is not on the district Website. Carter also stated that any employee being laid off will be on a rehire list for 39 months. Carter wants to use money from the Deferred Maintenance funds to help with the budget cuts. Readers can view an article at the Register regarding a teacher's hardship,

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/becerra-teachers-says-2023009-students-job

Good news! Three high schools are getting new theaters due to a grant that would practically fund them. The high schools are Dana Hills, San Clemente and Capo High. Capo High has been waiting for a theater for 30 years while newer schools were built with a theater.

Bad news! Item 51 was approved, requiring all parent volunteers to have a criminal background check and TB tests paid for by the volunteers. This is a well-intended item, but it should not cost unpaid volunteers money. I was the only speaker on this item. Here are the points I made:

• Parents will consider this requirement costly (about $100) and time-consuming (we will have to go to Santa Ana, and TB tests require two visits to the doctor).
• Parents are never to be alone with students anyway and are always in the classroom with the teacher.
• It will create a school district where the wealthy communities will have plenty of volunteers while other schools will have a lack of volunteers.
• We will require as many volunteers as necessary for the larger class sizes, and the cost and invasion of privacy will deter many from volunteering.
• This will cost the district more money because someone or some department will have to oversee that every parent volunteer has passed these tests.

Trustees Larry Christensen and Marlene Draper brought up the same points during the discussion of this item. Trustee Mike Darnold explained that he has been fingerprinted for Boys Scouts at a cost of $8. Carter was indignant and stated, "I can't believe there is even a discussion on this item." On a side note, the discussion was needed because it seemed as though the policy for this is not in place and could be costly and full of red tape. Another PALs member brought up the fact that any parent's record can be reviewed on the Megan's Law Website and questioned why the district needed a complete background check of every volunteer. If readers have questions or concerns regarding this requirement, please contact Supt. Carter at wacarter@capousd.org.

The minutes of the board meeting will not be available until the agenda comes out for next month’s board meeting. Meanwhile, please continue to write to the board members. Tell them how you want the "wheel of fortune" to be prioritized. Look for the wheel at the district Website, http://www.capousd.org.