News Briefs

Cal. Gov. says budget shortfall means teacher layoffs

Mar 27, 2008 3:21 PM

More than 20,000 California teachers recently received pink slips for next school year as the governor tries to eliminate a projected budget shortfall with a proposed school budget cut of $4.8 billion.

Ironically, the ax notices came just as the governor’s blue-ribbon committee on education released recommendations to overhaul California’s public school system, but at an additional annual cost of $10.5 billion.

The sudden glut in teachers looking for work is a potential boon for charter school administrators, who are recruiting widely at job fairs. “I’ve met so many incredible, experienced teachers today,” one said. “This means we can pick the best teachers for our school.”

Charter operators now pitch their schools as places where teachers can find more job security because their start date would not affect layoff decisions. “It’s not just about seniority here; it’s about how well you do,” one said. Or how much the administrator likes you.

The California Federation of Teachers sees alternatives to cuts. The union is urging progressive taxation, requiring the rich to pay their fair share, closing corporate tax loopholes and other measures. CFT President Marty Hittelman says that Governor Schwarzenegger was himself responsible for a huge chunk of the projected deficit because he eliminated the vehicle license fee, costing the state $5 billion per year. He called for its reinstatement.

Los Angeles Times, March 14, 16

San Francisco Chronicle, March 12, 15

CFT News Release, Feb. 15