CALEXICO — Parents, teachers, administrators and even some students put forth their ideas for improving Calexico Unified School District’s finances during an open forum-style special meeting and budget workshop Thursday evening.
After a presentation by district business manager Mei Randle on a handful of budget issues, 11 groups wrote up their ideas before presenting them to the room.
Randle specifically discussed the state’s deficit, a tax initiative going to vote in November, Calexico Unified’s structural deficit, the district’s transportation cuts, the district’s projected cash shortfall and an application for tax revenue anticipation notes.
The meeting/workshop was the first of its kind for the present district board and administration.
“We want input from the community as to how we can find a pathway to solvency,” Calexico Unified Board President Ruth Duarte said.
Calexico Unified Superintendent Richard Fragale both commended and criticized the tax initiative which, if not passed, will trigger mid-year cuts resulting in $3.27 million cut from Calexico Unified.
Since the school budget needs to be adopted by July 1, it leaves school districts in a predicament on how to proceed.
“In the meantime, we want to prepare for the best but need to be wary and prepare for the worst,” Fragale said.
Many recommendations were repeated by groups with most wanting cuts to consultants and attorney fees, renting out of district facilities, recycling programs, reduced travel expenses, increased grant applications and revised medical insurance for spouses in the district.
Fragale said the suggestions would be compiled with duplicates eliminated and then placed on the district’s Web site.
A group of roughly 30 community leaders will review and consider the ideas for possible implementation.
Reactions from participants after the meeting appeared to be mixed.
Kennedy Gardens Principal Alba Zazueta said it was positive to host the workshop since “it gives parents an opportunity to participate in the solutions.”
Associated Calexico Teachers President Enrique Cervantes, however, said he didn’t feel that the night was fruitful since he felt it wasn’t based on reliable budget information.
Teacher Margaret Alcala said it comes down to future action.
“The workshop started off on a good foot,” she said. “If they continue, that’s the problem. How will they utilize the information?”
All the school board members were present with the exception of board member Joong Kim, who left shortly after the beginning of the meeting. He said he felt that the meeting was a Brown Act violation and didn’t want to take part.
Staff Writer Chelcey Adami can be reached at 760-337-3452 or cadami@ivpressonline.com
After a presentation by district business manager Mei Randle on a handful of budget issues, 11 groups wrote up their ideas before presenting them to the room.
Randle specifically discussed the state’s deficit, a tax initiative going to vote in November, Calexico Unified’s structural deficit, the district’s transportation cuts, the district’s projected cash shortfall and an application for tax revenue anticipation notes.
The meeting/workshop was the first of its kind for the present district board and administration.
“We want input from the community as to how we can find a pathway to solvency,” Calexico Unified Board President Ruth Duarte said.
Calexico Unified Superintendent Richard Fragale both commended and criticized the tax initiative which, if not passed, will trigger mid-year cuts resulting in $3.27 million cut from Calexico Unified.
Since the school budget needs to be adopted by July 1, it leaves school districts in a predicament on how to proceed.
“In the meantime, we want to prepare for the best but need to be wary and prepare for the worst,” Fragale said.
Many recommendations were repeated by groups with most wanting cuts to consultants and attorney fees, renting out of district facilities, recycling programs, reduced travel expenses, increased grant applications and revised medical insurance for spouses in the district.
Fragale said the suggestions would be compiled with duplicates eliminated and then placed on the district’s Web site.
A group of roughly 30 community leaders will review and consider the ideas for possible implementation.
Reactions from participants after the meeting appeared to be mixed.
Kennedy Gardens Principal Alba Zazueta said it was positive to host the workshop since “it gives parents an opportunity to participate in the solutions.”
Associated Calexico Teachers President Enrique Cervantes, however, said he didn’t feel that the night was fruitful since he felt it wasn’t based on reliable budget information.
Teacher Margaret Alcala said it comes down to future action.
“The workshop started off on a good foot,” she said. “If they continue, that’s the problem. How will they utilize the information?”
All the school board members were present with the exception of board member Joong Kim, who left shortly after the beginning of the meeting. He said he felt that the meeting was a Brown Act violation and didn’t want to take part.
Staff Writer Chelcey Adami can be reached at 760-337-3452 or cadami@ivpressonline.com
