Budget Update: Schools Still Facing Serious Cuts

As you may have heard, the May Revise Budget released by the Governor on May 14 had more money for education than the preliminary budget that was released in January.  This is some good news for schools, but it does not erase the very serious program cuts that Novato is facing for the 2008/2009 school year. Even though higher than the January preliminary budget, the May Revise funding levels represent an overall decrease in education spending for the year, and significant cuts to many specialized programs.  Moreover, the declining economy threatens to further reduce state revenue, which would force further cuts by the time a final budget is passed by the legislature at the end of the summer. 

The Novato Unified School District must go forward with several painful cuts in order to adopt a budget that is consistent with the new state proposal.  These may include reduction of school librarians, larger class sizes at the middle and high schools, elimination of some electives at middle and high schools, reduction in the budget for teacher training, elimination of a school nurse, reduction of resource specialists, and reduction in funds for classroom aides.  There is no current plan for salary increases for teachers even though they are paid less than in other nearby districts.

School Fuel is working hard to raise additional funds to protect students from the brunt of these cuts.  At the moment, we have raised sufficient funds to continue support of the elementary music teacher and an additional elective class at the middle and high schools.  Just a few more thousand dollars would make a big impact.   $30,000 would enable us to support teacher training for implementation of the new K-5 science curriculum; $35,000 would restore hours for library clerks.  $35,000 would restore the high school staff member who manages the student internship program.  And each additional $15,000 would restore a single additional elective. The donations will be put to the best possible use, and benefit all of the students in the district. 

Every additional donation, no matter what size, helps us keep more of the programs in place for next year that will directly benefit our students. Giving is easy and can be done in one-time or monthly installments.  You can mail in a donation, donate online, or drop off a check at a local school.

Please talk to your friends and neighbors and let them know that we have the collective opportunity to help our schools no matter what the lawmakers ultimately decide about the state budget.   Let’s make sure that our students get the education they deserve!

Walk for Schools on June 28th!

A group of Novato parents is organizing a Walk for Schools on June 28th.  The walk will start and end at Marion Field near the intersection of Grant Ave. and 7th St.  Bring your friends, the kids, and even your dog, and come out to walk to show our support for the schools, have fun, and raise some money for the schools at the same time.  The event will start at 9:00 am, and you can choose a walking route of 2, 4, or 6 miles.  To register, stop by the Walk for Schools booth at the Novato Farmers' Market, or send the registration form to the School Fuel office at 448 Ignacio Blvd., #410, Novato, CA  94949.

Celebrate Our Schools on the 4th of July

There are two great ways to celebrate our local schools on the 4th of July.  Early that morning, the Tamalpa Runner’s club is organizing a race and fun run that will start on Grant Ave.  The group is working in cooperation with School Fuel to help support local schools.   See http://www.tamalparunners.org for more information and to register online for the race or walk.

Also, the Novato Unified School District and School Fuel are working on a combined Novato Schools entry in the Novato 4th of July Parade.  We want to make sure that every school is represented and that our students have the opportunity to show their stuff for the whole community.  Every student, staff, or family member is welcome to join the contingent.  If you have questions or a particular idea about our entry, please call Susan Mathews at 209-9616.

Plan to Kick-off the New School Year with a Little Shakespeare

Mark your calendars and reserve your tickets for a special School Fuel benefit performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream by the North Bay Shakespeare Company at the Hamilton Amphitheatre on Friday, August 22. This lovely event will take place at the end of the first week of school.  Director Hector Correa promises that this will be a special evening to delight all audiences.  Fifty percent of ticket proceeds will go to School Fuel.  The picnic area will open at 6:00, and the show will begin at 7:00pm.  Tickets are on sale now.  See the North Bay Shakespeare website for more information, or print out the ticket order form and return it by mail to the listed address.