After Awards, Threat of Deep Cuts Forces School Board to Consider 'Dismantling' of Schools and Services

In a packed-to-capacity room, Superintendent Deborah Flores announced that as principal of Ascencion Solorsano Middle School, and Anisha Munshi will replace Greg Kapaku as principal of South Valley Middle School.

Flores also acknowledged the work of a number of students, including five students from Solorsano who accepted an award from the FBI last week after .

In addition, Flores congratulated students who had won awards for their science fair projects.

Sal Tomasello, Silvia Reyes and Kim Felice all received awards from Flores for exceptional work. 

Flores said about Reyes, "She pulls the whole school (Las Animas Elementary) together around some incredible instructional ideas."

About Felice, Flores said, "I could not have done this job without her. In the four years that I've been here, she's done two jobs most of the time, with hardly a complaint. Her attention to detail is unmatched."

Budget Worries

After the last award was presented, Kirsten Perez, district director of fiscal services, presented grim news about how the state's budget cuts will affect Gilroy schools. Perez said that in a best-case scenario, on top of the programs that have already been cut, the district would have to cut an additional $300 in spending per student. In a worst-case scenario, that number could climb to $1,000.

Perez noted that the numbers from the state are constantly changing, but the governor's revised budget in mid-May will help determine how much would need to be cut.

Board members, clearly unhappy with the cuts facing the district, discussed which programs would be the first to go.

"Transportation," said board member Mark Good. "I hate to say it, but key programs in our district, like athletics."

Board member Fred Tovar said, "I've gotten call after call. 'Don't cut athletics.' I don't want to. It's not going to be a popular vote. We really need the support of the community here."

Rhoda Bress, president of the board, said, "Elementary schools are smaller. We could look at closing one. I don't think it's a good idea, but we might need to look at this."

When Flores noted that typically it takes a year or more to close a school, Bress said, "We may need to do some sharing between our smaller schools, see if it's reasonable."

Bress corrected herself. "Not reasonable, feasible; I'll take back that word," she said.

"I don't like the idea of increasing class size," Bress said. "We're at the point where it's like bending a twig. We're going to break the twig."

Good said, "I agree with that. I don't like what we've done so far and certainly don't want the classes to be any larger." 

Board member Jaime Rosso said the board needs to reach out to the community and seek support. "Basically we're dismantling our public schools," he said.

"There's no fat to cut. We're cutting out the heart of our education system. The physical education programs, art, music—some people think of these as frills, but they are not frills. These are part of what makes going to school a worthy endeavor for kids."

Board member Tom Bundros also broached the subject of special taxes to help the schools. "It's not going to be popular, but we might want to explore the possibility (of a tax)." He suggested approaching the community to see how this idea is received.

Rosso noted that a past school bond on the ballot received 72 percent of the votes. He said he is not so quick to jump on a parcel tax. "Really, I'm interested in hearing the community step up. People talk about the pride they have in Gilroy. There's not going to be much pride if we dismantle our public schools."

Status of Current GUSD Projects

The board heard a presentation about the status of ongoing projects.

• The former Leonard property is slated for lead and asbestos abatement as well as demolition. A decision will be held off until at least four bids are received for the project.

• At Rucker Elementary, construction is contingent upon Department of Toxic Substances Control clearance.

• As soon as a location is decided, the Gilroy Early College Academy lease agreement with Gavilan Community College will be signed.

* At Gilroy High School, Bill Gould Architects will begin preliminary design work for the Career Technical Education project.

* At Christopher High, the roof will be placed on Building E this month, and the pool construction and all tile work should be completed on the Aquatic Center. The project is on time and scheduled to be completed by Aug. 1.