NEWS RELEASE from the San Diego Unified School District, June 24, 2014
BOARD TO ACT ON $1.2 BILLION OPERATING BUDGET
Superintendent Marten's First Budget has no layoffs, reduces class sizes
in lower grades, redirects staffing to classrooms, implements Common Core,
focuses on English learners
SAN DIEGO Completing her first year as superintendent, the San Diego
Unified Board of Trustees is poised to approve Cindy Marten's $1.2 billion
"students first" spending plan Tuesday night.
"When the Board hired me last year, my task was to reevaluate every dollar
to ensure we are focusing expenditures on proven methods to create quality
schools in every neighborhood, improve student achievement and close the
achievement gap," said Marten.
Despite lingering effects of the worst economic downturn since the Great
Depression, the 2014-15, $1.2 billion operating budget has no layoffs,
reduces class sizes in lower grades, redirects staffing to classrooms,
implements Common Core and focuses on English-language learners.
"I have always believed that however much money we have, in both good
times and bad, we have a responsibility to improve the quality of
education while serving as good stewards and promoting student
achievement," she said. "I am confident that we will meet the needs of our
students and support our educators and employees, while living within our
means."
The San Diego Unified Board of Trustees will act tonight on the proposed
budget for the 2014-15 fiscal year. The meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m.
today, Tuesday, June 24, at the Eugene Brucker Education Center
Auditorium, 4100 Normal St. (92103). The meeting is open to the public.
Facts
-- No layoffs.
-- Reduces K-3 class size from current school year from 27:1 to 25:1.
-- Fully funds the implementation of the Common Core curriculum.
-- Restores the school calendar to 180 instructional days.
-- Stabilizes school staffing including improved front office allocations.
-- Fully funds professional development for educators ensuring the best
trained staff for our students.
-- Transitions "non classroom" support teachers into the classrooms.
-- Initiates an early retirement plan for approximately 472 educators,
resulting in a net savings of approximately $8 million dollars next year.
-- Supports biliteracy programs and implements Superintendent's English
Learner Action Plan for Long-term English learners.
-- Maintains classroom Gate and Seminar funding.
-- Ensures open library hours at every elementary school.
-- Maintains current level of services in arts, athletics, school safety,
custodial, nursing and counseling.
-- Maintains the nationally recognized i21 program, giving students and
educators the latest technology.
-- Maintains graduation coaches.
-- Implements Transitional Kindergarten at all elementary schools.
-- Meets contractual salary increases.
-- Maintains existing level of health benefits for all employees.
-- Phases out real estate sales to fund budget shortfalls.
-- Initiates a multi-year real estate strategy to generate new real estate
revenues.
-- Includes approximately $223 million in facility upgrades and expansions
in Prop S/Z funds.
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