Charles Dickens' immortal words, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times," ring true for Carlsbad Unified School District's current situation. Let's examine the worst first.
Carlsbad Unified, like school districts throughout California, is experiencing (to quote another English author) the "slings and arrows" of a continuing state budget crisis. Our Board's prudent fiscal policies provided a reserve that helped us keep draconian measures at bay for the past few years, although we have had to make many unpalatable but necessary cuts.
Today, facing a 2012-13 budget deficit of $7.8 million and a projected 2013-14 deficit that could be even higher, we are forced to make deeper, more painful cuts. Many expenditure reductions have been approved; more are being considered and negotiated. Up-to-date financial information can be found at http://carlsbadusdbusiness.blogspot.com.
A Unified Approach
The proverbial "worst of times" has brought out the best in our district family. A few months ago, some proactive parents gathered in a park to brainstorm ways to help keep our educational excellence intact. The group formed the CUSD Parent and Community Budget Task Force (www.carlsbadunified.com).
The growing number of members began formulating ways to garner financial support for our schools.
First, they created a simple but powerful message: " I [heart] Carlsbad Schools." The slogan embellishes buttons, which the group uses to create awareness and raise funds.
Next, they enlisted the support of local businesses and organizations.
Last month, New Village Arts donated $10 of each "Comedy of Errors" ticket purchased whenever a theatergoer referenced "I [heart] Carlsbad Schools." The Task Force has partnered with the Carlsbad Educational Foundation (CEF) as a fundraising conduit, enabling monies raised to stream via the CEF to our District.
April 28-May 6, 2012 has been designated "I [heart] Carlsbad Schools" week.
People are encouraged to shop, dine and have fun locally at establishments bearing the slogan as well as at events, with a portion of proceeds earmarked to support District schools.
The first event is Celebrate Carlsbad Day at LEGOLAND California on April 28. The next is the Spring Fiesta, presented by the City's Housing and Neighborhood Services Department, on May 5. It will be followed by the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce's Carlsbad Village Street Faire on May 6.
Planning is under way for this trifecta of events, which will include activities and opportunities that benefit our schools, says Claudine Jones, co-chair of the Task Force and parent of a Kelly first-grader and fourth-grader.
"More ideas are being generated and additional efforts are on the horizon, as the group works toward expanding its membership and developing creative revenue sources that will benefit the entire District, especially during fluctuations in State funding," Jones said.
Jones is passionate about saving our schools. She adds, "The budget crisis can do permanent harm. I want my kids to get into a good college. For that, they need the kind of great education Carlsbad children have long enjoyed. They want the high quality of schools and teachers that make families such as mine choose to live here. Continuing cuts put that education in peril for my kids and everyone else's. That's why we formed this group and that's why we're working so hard to get the support of local organizations, individuals and even the City. We hope that everyone steps up."
So do I!
Carlsbad Unified, like school districts throughout California, is experiencing (to quote another English author) the "slings and arrows" of a continuing state budget crisis. Our Board's prudent fiscal policies provided a reserve that helped us keep draconian measures at bay for the past few years, although we have had to make many unpalatable but necessary cuts.
Today, facing a 2012-13 budget deficit of $7.8 million and a projected 2013-14 deficit that could be even higher, we are forced to make deeper, more painful cuts. Many expenditure reductions have been approved; more are being considered and negotiated. Up-to-date financial information can be found at http://carlsbadusdbusiness.blogspot.com.
A Unified Approach
The proverbial "worst of times" has brought out the best in our district family. A few months ago, some proactive parents gathered in a park to brainstorm ways to help keep our educational excellence intact. The group formed the CUSD Parent and Community Budget Task Force (www.carlsbadunified.com).
The growing number of members began formulating ways to garner financial support for our schools.
First, they created a simple but powerful message: " I [heart] Carlsbad Schools." The slogan embellishes buttons, which the group uses to create awareness and raise funds.
Next, they enlisted the support of local businesses and organizations.
Last month, New Village Arts donated $10 of each "Comedy of Errors" ticket purchased whenever a theatergoer referenced "I [heart] Carlsbad Schools." The Task Force has partnered with the Carlsbad Educational Foundation (CEF) as a fundraising conduit, enabling monies raised to stream via the CEF to our District.
April 28-May 6, 2012 has been designated "I [heart] Carlsbad Schools" week.
People are encouraged to shop, dine and have fun locally at establishments bearing the slogan as well as at events, with a portion of proceeds earmarked to support District schools.
The first event is Celebrate Carlsbad Day at LEGOLAND California on April 28. The next is the Spring Fiesta, presented by the City's Housing and Neighborhood Services Department, on May 5. It will be followed by the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce's Carlsbad Village Street Faire on May 6.
Planning is under way for this trifecta of events, which will include activities and opportunities that benefit our schools, says Claudine Jones, co-chair of the Task Force and parent of a Kelly first-grader and fourth-grader.
"More ideas are being generated and additional efforts are on the horizon, as the group works toward expanding its membership and developing creative revenue sources that will benefit the entire District, especially during fluctuations in State funding," Jones said.
Jones is passionate about saving our schools. She adds, "The budget crisis can do permanent harm. I want my kids to get into a good college. For that, they need the kind of great education Carlsbad children have long enjoyed. They want the high quality of schools and teachers that make families such as mine choose to live here. Continuing cuts put that education in peril for my kids and everyone else's. That's why we formed this group and that's why we're working so hard to get the support of local organizations, individuals and even the City. We hope that everyone steps up."
So do I!