Parents Advocate Update, May 21
by Julie Collier

Dear PALs,

I attended the Capistrano USD finance meeting Tuesday night. It was pleasantly brief! I got there just in time to hear about the Attendance Incentive Program that offers money to schools that have the most-improved attendance. Oak Grove (and two other elementary schools that I couldn't write down fast enough), Arroyo Vista, Aliso Niguel and Ladera Ranch Middle School all earned money for their schools. Overall, Supt. Woodrow Carter was disappointed with the outcome and stated it was a "flat positive." He further stated that the district is going to need every penny next year and that attendance is one of his pet peeves. He is expecting everyone to be more attendance-conscience next year. Make sure you plan your vacations during breaks – not during class time.

Supt. Carter gave an update on the budget crisis and the governor’s May revise. The revised PROPOSAL does not suspend Prop. 98, and it allows for some categorical flexibility. It is reliant on borrowing funds from the Lotto or a backup of increasing sales tax by 1 percent if the Lotto idea is voted down. This proposal also allows a reduction of reserves needed at the district level to 1 percent. (Carter and Trustee Ellen Addonizio do not agree with reducing the reserves.) There will be no COLA. The deferred maintenance funds would go to special education.

Carter explained that the Orange County Department of Education wants districts to be cautious and take advantage of the flexibility in the budget. Carter is confident with basing the final budget on the May revise. He will know more during the next 48 hours when they have time to work the numbers. There will be a special board meeting on June 2 (mark you calendars).

Trustee Addonizio asked if they could leave the 20:1 classrooms alone that will require construction for larger classes. Carter said they are looking at that, and he doesn't want to "spend a penny" on that construction.

Regarding Class Size Reduction, Carter stated that he wants to return all the teachers and keep K-3. He has to wait to work the numbers. He also said third grade could be cut for CSR. I asked Carter if hiring back the teachers for CSR was his first priority, and he said yes. I also asked him how the CUSD Foundation fit into all this. He didn't really give me a solid answer, but he implied that any money raised will ensure CSR for the students.

Hope this helps. We should know more in 48 hours!