Friday, April 23, 2010

Historic Numbers of Teachers Pinkslipped

"The 2010-11 school term is shaping up as one of the most austere in the last half century," reports Tamar Lewin and Sam Dillon in their April 20th New York Times article, "Districts Warn of Deeper Teacher Cuts".  All of this a result of state budget meltdowns across the country.

The Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District is certainly one of those districts facing deep cuts, currently poised reduce its teaching staff by one in eight in response to unprecedented cuts from Sacramento. 


Districts across the country are reducing staff, increasing class sizes, cutting programs and shortening their school year.  This translates in a quantifiable decrease in the delivery of education to American students.   With more cuts on the way, the steady erosion of the quality of education for all American students feels inevitable.


However, we must not -- as parents we can not accept this erosion.  


The most tangible way to fight the erosion locally is to volunteer to help pass Measure A, our local school funding measure.  

Look for your Measure A ballots in the mail!  Make sure to vote and return your ballot right away.



Saturday, April 17, 2010

Say No to State Education Cuts

Community for Excellent Public Schools has been advocating for stable, predictable funding for Santa Monica Malibu schools for ten years.  And just when we think we've plugged a hole caused by State budget cuts, Sacramento cuts again.

As long as CEPS has working at its mission, I have never seen a better assessment of Sacramento's commitment to education.
CLICK HERE to see Wonderland Elementary School PTA's incredible production, "Hot for Teachers with Megan Fox".  And while you're at it, sign the online petition and call the Governor's office.

Friday, April 16, 2010





  Community for Excellent Public Schools


Our kids are back from Spring Break and the campaign to save our teachers is going strong.

Measure A is critical to protecting our Santa Monica and Malibu Schools!

If Measure A does not pass, we will lose up to 1 in 8 of our great teachers, cut counselors and librarians, close school libraries, increase class sizes, and make cuts to instruction in science, math, reading, writing, art and music programs.

Our students are counting on YOU to help pass Measure A. Volunteer to phone bank TODAY!

Measure A is critical for our local schools and will provide local funding that the State cannot take away.
Measure A will:
  • Protect instruction in reading, writing, math and science
  • Minimize teacher layoffs
  • Keep class sizes as small as possible
  • Help protect music and art programs
  • Keep school libraries open
  • Keep counselors, who help students stay on track and prepare for college and careers

Great schools benefit everyone.  Quality schools keep our kids in school, help protect property values and keep our community a safe and desirable place to live.

Measure A is a Special “all-mail” election – your ballot will come in the mail in early May, even if you normally vote at the polls.
We need your help to call voters about Measure A! Phoning is easy and fun.  Sign up now for phone banking

For more information about Measure A, click here.


Thank you!
Rebecca Soladay Kennerly
Community for Excellent Public Schools (CEPS), Chair
www.excellentpublicschools.org
Check out CEPS blog: http://excellentpublicschools.blogspot.com/
And look for us on Facebook

Contact Devin Osiri, Campaign Coordinator if you have any questions:
310-654-4933
osiridevin@gmail.com