Association of California School Administrators - PTA rallies to protect funding

PTA rallies to protect funding

The California PTA held a rally in Sacramento recently to protest the budget cuts Gov. Schwarzenegger has proposed for education. Led by state PTA President Pam Brady, approximately 200 people – parents, teachers and students – gathered on the steps of the Capitol to voice their opposition to the cuts and to demand that state leaders protect Proposition 98.

“California’s future depends on our governor and state legislators doing the right thing and investing more in our children, not less,” Brady said. “Well, enough is enough, and you’re not doing it on the backs of schoolchildren!”

The rally drew attendees from around the state, from such SoCal areas as Riverside, San Diego and Los Angeles, up to Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo, San Francisco, Marin and Sacramento.

Representing Sacramento USD was Superintendent Magdalena Carrillo Mejia. She pointed out that her district had already cut $70 million from the budget, but if the proposed cuts go through they will be forced to cut another $25 million.

“California is no longer opening doors, but is closing doors of opportunities,” Mejia said. The rally crowd also heard from fifth grade student Celina Martinez of Foothill Elementary School in Corona-Norco USD.

“Governor, are you out to get me? Do I have a target on my back?” she asked. “Cutting the budget not only hurts California, but it hurts me as well.”

For more information please visit www.protectourstudents.org.

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