Parents Advocate League Update
Excerpts from news by Julie Collier

A rally is scheduled for Mon., May 5, from 4:52 to 6:30 p.m. It is another 98-Minute March for all Orange County schools. It is planned by teachers in SVUSD in anticipation of the governor's May 15 revise of the budget crisis. When attending a rally, please bring plenty of water and some snacks for the kids. Also, please be aware of traffic safety at all times.

Option 2 for Class Size Reduction is not going to be considered in CUSD (where students are moved to different classes or another teacher is in the class during core learning). This method is being used in the Saddleback district, and teachers aren’t happy about it.

It seems the state is thinking the budget will get worse for the May 14 revise. Those wishing to donate to reduce class sizes should visit the CUSD Foundation Website, www.cusdfoundation.org. Donors should state where their dollars should go, grades K-3 or 4-12.

The Wheel of Fortune and the Budget Development Update are on CUSD’s Website, showing the costs of what will be returning if CUSD gets money from the state or by fundraising. What is missing is the priority of the wheel. According to Supt. Carter, teachers will be a priority. Follow the links for additional information Carter shared at the April 21 board meeting: http://www.capousd.org/fiscal/2008-09%20Budget%20Development%20Update%20042108.pdf

The new requirement of parent volunteers is also on the district Website. Volunteers need a background check and TB test at their own cost. Costs have been reduced: TB test, $10; Live-scan fee, $10; Dept. of Justice (they process the scan), $32; volunteering in your child's class: priceless. There is a fund for parents who cannot afford this fee. It is based on income and/or principal recommendation. The great news is that the background check is a one-time test! Parents should get tested this summer to avoid delays for next year. Pick up the packet as early as next week at one’s school site to get started. The TB test can be taken at a doctor’s office or at the offices provided. The TB test will need to be repeated every 4 years.