Hello Mission Bay Cluster families and staff:
I have received many emails regarding the proposals for school closing and realignment.
The details can be reviewed on www.sandi.net.
with the specific presentation at:
http://www.sandi.net/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&ModuleInstanceID=38029&ViewID=047E6BE3-6D87-4130-8424-D8E4E9ED6C2A&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=33346&PageID=27703
But the basic proposal for Mission Bay Cluster is:
-Close Crown Point School Site. Move Crown Point Music Academy program to Bayview Terrace site. This would occur by September 2012.
-Close PB Middle School Site. Co-locate PB Middle School programs on Mission Bay High site, creating a 6-12 IB academy, with appropriate separation of Middle and High School students. This would occur over several years and would require site design and construction changes, which would be paid for by Prop S Bond funds.
First a little background:
Financial Realities
As we face ever worsening finances with the guarantee of unavoidable budget cuts next year, my primary goal is for the district to avoid insolvency. Since joining the board in December 2010, I have been like a broken record in trying to warn my colleagues about the threats to our survival, but have had only limited success. I have inherited labor contracts which significantly increase costs to our district and state budget which reduced funding by over $100 million this year and which may cut $30 million more in revenues in January 2013.
Depending a on a number of factors mostly outside of our school board's control, our budget short-fall next year (12/13) will be from $60 million to over $100 million. I must honestly state, that I believe there is a real possibility of our district going into financial receivership within the next year, resulting in a State-appointed superintendent taking over. Our Board will receive a briefing on the current financial forecast and impacts Tuesday.
School Closure/Consolidations One Piece of the Puzzle
In order to address our financial challenges, school closures and consolidation must be discussed as part of both the short term budget solutions and the long-term viability of SDUSD. But it is just one piece of the puzzle. Additional reductions in transportation, review of how we deliver custodial, landscaping, administration and food services, and finding ways to generate more revenues are also key parts of the puzzle.
As you know there have been significant cut backs in transportation funding the last several years. This will likely continue the next several years as well, with the possible result of reducing the number of out of Cluster students attending MB/PB schools.
The Process
We must let the (rather short) process play itself out. This means allowing parents, the community, school teachers and employees review the staff recommendations, and seek creative responses and alternatives which we can present to my Board colleagues.
A Parent's View
Lastly, as a parent of two girls who are in high school and have attended SDUSD schools since Kindergarten, I know one of the most important decisions we make as parents is choosing where to send our kids to school. I completely understand the apprehension and anger over even the discussion of closing a school. But as an elected Board Trustee, I have responsibility for the education of 120,000 students, and the financial viability of SDUSD. My ultimate decision will be one which I think is in the best interest of the District as a whole, while doing everything I can to protect what currently "works" schools in neighborhood schools in Mission Bay Cluster.
Please participate in your Cluster's review of the school closure and consolidation proposals. Lets find creative responses I can present to my school board colleagues. Feel free to contact me with further input and suggestions.
Thank you
Scott Barnett,
SDUSD Board Trustee
Scottbarnettsdusd@gmail.com
Sbarnett@sandi.net
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