Adult Education Advocates Plead With Sequoia District To Spare Program From Cuts

Concerned community members turned out en masse to the Board of Trustees meeting last week to advocate sparing the district's adult education program from funding cuts.

As it appears increasingly unlikely the state legislature will pass a proposal for the tax extensions necessary to prevent cuts to K-12 education funding, the district is preparing itself to begin trimming service costs from its budget.

At the meeting, board members discussed making up to $5 million in budget cuts going into next year. Previous to last night's meeting, there was hope that the state may pass a proposal to extend taxes onto voters for a June election.

But recent reports from Sacramento illustrate a reluctance by conservative lawmakers to grant the support necessary to pass the nearly $12 billion worth of taxes, so public school districts are forced to examine budget cuts.

According to a district report, the board and administration are looking at potential cuts to the , $1.07 million in cuts to employees who are categorically funded, $580,000 from employees by implementing two furlough days, $800,000 by reducing five vice principal positions, among other cuts.

And though, according to the report, the severity of the proposed cuts to adult education are still to be determined, nearly 30 supporters attended last night's meeting to request the board spare the program.

Janet Andrews, of Portola Valley, was one of the speakers who requested the board reconsider its proposal to axe the program's money.

Andrews said through volunteering at the program, she has witnessed how the classes offered there can improve the lives of its students, especially those attending who are attempting to better their comprehension of the English language.

"An investment in adult literacy is important," Andrews said. "Adults who understand English are in a better position to provide for their families."

Bianca Luna said attending the program as a student has helped her set a good example for her children, and aim for the hope of graduating college.

And Gayle Mills, Chief Business Officer of Roxro Pharma, said she has never seen people more motivated than those attending and working at the adult education program while she volunteered there.

"These people are working very hard to improve themselves and only want to improve their opportunities," she said.

In all, 10 people with connections to adult education testified to the importance of the program, and advocated for it to be spared from the budget chopping block.

Following comments from the public, Board Chair Lorraine Rumley said the sentiments expressed would make the budget cutting process more difficult than initially expected.

"We want to preserve what we can and there are ways to work together to do that," said Rumley.

Rumley suggested that the district may attempt to partner with other local organizations to shoulder the expense of keeping the program running. She mentioned the possibility of the district working with to potentially fund the adult education program.

Trustee Olivia Martinez seconded Rumley's sentiments in hoping that the district will not be forced to make cuts to adult education.

"It's very obvious to us how important these programs are,"Martinez said.

The district took no action regarding the budget.

Also at the meeting, board members acknowledged that Deputy Superintendent Francisca Miranda and spokeswoman Bettylu Smith would be leaving the district. Miranda intends to retire, and Smith will be joining a different school district in Fremont.

Board members and administration thanked both for their service to the district.