PALs Update
by Julie Collier

I received an email from a PALs member from Vista Del Mar Elementary (San Clemente). She explained one of the teachers at her school was told by a board member that only parents from VDM care that Class Size Reduction (CSR) is gone. I have heard from many people all over CUSD that they are very concerned about larger class sizes in all grades, especially for K-3, for a multitude of reasons.

CSR is a vital part of ensuring young children get the basic learning foundation that they will use throughout their academic and professional careers. Our children are our future. We need to support them in their efforts to become productive citizens.

Our district is in a difficult financial predicament due to immense budget cuts at the state level. Our district can make choices in an effort to continue the support of CSR that many other districts are choosing to do.

If you support CSR, please email our trustees about your concerns. Politely explain why you feel CSR is important for our district and the children they must educate. It can be just a few sentences. Make sure to tell them which community you live in. Below is a sample letter created by a VDM parent to assist you. If you have time, however, feel free to write your own personal note.

Sample letter: My name is _________ and I have a child in ____ grade, at __________
elementary school. I am writing to voice my concerns about the budget cuts and how they will affect children. My biggest concern is cutting Class Size Reduction (CSR). It is imperative to keep the class sizes the way they are. Our children are our first priority here in Capistrano Unified School District, and CSR is next. To see our children benefit the most throughout their education, from Kindergarten through high school, we must think of their education as a whole, not in separate segments. Our state government is not taking away the funds for CSR; it is still two-thirds funded and flexibility has been given for student numbers 21 through 24 in the classroom. CSR funding cannot be applied elsewhere. It has to be used to create smaller class size. You, all seven members, ran your election campaign in support of providing smaller class sizes in CUSD. We expect CSR to be your No. 1 priority program to save, as it is the only funded program from the state.

Email addresses for trustees:
eaddonizio@capousd.org (Ellen Addonizio)
mwinsten@capousd.org (Michael Winsten)
ljchristensen@capousd.org (Larry Christensen)
jbrick@capousd.org (Jack Brick)
abryson@capousd.org (Anna Bryson)
kmaddox@capousd.org (Ken Maddox)
spalazzo@capousd.org (Susan Palazzo)