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EGUSD in the Spotlight

Sacramento County Educators Host Budget Forum at State Capital

Elk Grove Unified Superintendent Dr. Steven M. Ladd, Ed.D., joined superintendents from across Sacramento County on April 24 at the State Capitol in a conversation with local legislators and community members about the importance of education funding.

Superintendents, board members, administrators and education advocates joined legislators in a discussion how the proposed budget cuts would negatively impact students, families and school employees throughout Sacramento County.

Also in attendance were Senator Darrell Steinberg, Senator Dave Cox, Assemblyman Roger Niello, EGUSD Board Members Pollyanna Cooper-LeVangie, Priscilla Cox and William Lugg, Jr. and his wife Irene Lugg, Elk Grove Mayor Gary Davis, members of EGUSD’s finance committee and several EGUSD administrators.

“I believe it is critical for legislators and the public to understand the significant impact of the current budget proposal on teaching and learning,” Superintendent Ladd said.  “I am grateful to the board members, mayor, finance committee members and administrators, who were present, for their support of this important conversation.”

The purpose of the discussion was to have a dialog between the educators, legislators and the community about the impact the Governor’s proposed budget cuts may have on public education.  The Governor’s January 10 budget proposal includes $4.8 billion in cuts to education funding statewide including $85 million in Sacramento County alone for the 2008-2009 school year.

In Elk Grove Unified the Governor’s proposed budget could mean cutting $25 million in 2008-2009 and again in 2009-2010.  To submit a balanced three-year budget as required by law by July 1, EGUSD is faced with cutting 81 teaching positions and 80 classified positions.  Programs and services that could be affected include 9th grade class size reduction, instructional coaches, elementary library technicians, summer school and professional learning programs.

Superintendent Ladd also discussed the significant challenges districts face in keeping up with growing costs such as fuel and health care benefits.  The district's expenditures on fuel in 2002-2003 were $547,000.  Despite fewer buses, this year the district will spend approximately $810,000.  The rising cost of health care has had an even more significant impact on the general fund.  In 2001-2002 health care benefits cost the district $21.5 million.  Today that number has more than doubled to $50.8 million in 2007-2008.

Senator Cox told the audience that he’s been examining school district budgets closely and would like to continue the dialog about real solutions for public education.

“I would welcome the opportunity to take any ideas that you have to make the system better,” Senator Cox said.

Superintendent Ladd met with the senator after the forum and told Senator Cox that he would take him up on that opportunity on behalf of EGUSD.

“I look forward to accepting Senator Cox’s offer to meet on a regular basis to discuss issues affecting public education,” Superintendent Ladd said.

Forum speakers included Superintendent Ladd, Sacramento County Superintendent of Schools David Gordon, Sacramento City Unified Superintendent Magdalena Mejia, San Juan Unified Superintendent Steven Enoch, Folsom Cordova Unified Superintendent Patrick Godwin and Natomas Unified Superintendent Dr. Steven Farrar.

Other superintendents in attendance included Twin Rivers Unified Superintendent Frank Porter, Center Unified Superintendent Dr. Kevin Jolly, Galt Elementary School District Superintendent Dr. Karen Schauer, Galt Joint Union High School District Superintendent Thomas Gemma, River Delta Unified Superintendent Alan Newell and Robla Unified Superintendent Ralph Friend.

Members of the EGUSD Finance Committee included Robin Ishikata, Ruth Ann Rankin and Al Rowlett.  EGUSD administrators included Nancy Lucia, associate superintendent of education services, Richard Odegaard, associate superintendent of finance and school support, Christina Penna, associate superintendent of secondary education, Greg Lindner, director of technology services, Donna Cherry, director of learning support services, Mark Cerutti, principal of Florin High School, William Del Bonta, principal of Samuel Jackman Middle School, Michael Gulden, principal of Cosumnes River Elementary School, Mary Beth Kropp, principal of Foulks Ranch Elementary School and Dan Owens, principal of Union House Elementary School.

Spotlight Archives

2008
April 16, 2008 - EGUSD Launches New Attendance Campaign Videos
April 4, 2008 - Winners selected for 3rd Annual Superintendent’s Art Contest
March 26, 2008 - Megaconference Jr. 2008 - Arthur C. Butler Students Take Their Voices to the World
March 17, 2008 - Elk Grove Unified Joins Call to Fix Governor’s Proposed Budget
March 4, 2008 - Elk Grove Unified Hosts Sacramento County Superintendents’ Press Conference on State Budget Cuts
Feb. 19, 2008 - 4th Annual High School Conference helps train the leaders of the future
Jan. 16, 2008 - Laguna Creek High School hosts ConnectEd Policy Site Visit
Jan. 02, 2008 - Senior Attendance Drive returns for second year

2007
Dec. 12, 2007 - John Ehrhardt Elementary students combine academics and community service
Dec. 03, 2007 - EGUSD’s Commitment to Service Learning Honored
Nov. 15, 2007 - Winners announced for No Excuses – Go to School Rhyme & Poster Contests
Nov. 13, 2007 - Veterans Day celebrated at Elk Grove Unified
Oct. 23, 2007 - Time of Remembrance Project and Website
Oct. 15, 2007 - Markofer Elementary offers “Donuts for Dads/Muffins for Moms"
Oct. 3, 2007 - EGUSD elementary schools participate in Walk to School Day
Sept. 18, 2007 - Options abound on new College and Career website

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