Kern Valley Sun
Regular attendees of the Kernville Union School District Board of Trustees meeting were in for a big surprise on March 10, with the huge turnout resulting from the barrage “pink slips” recently handed out to certificated and classified KUSD staff. The monthly meeting, which was held at the Wallace School Cafeteria, usually sees limited attendance.
A large group from the California School Employees Association (CSEA), Kern Valley Chapter 558, were in attendance. Wearing matching blue shirts, and seated en masse, they made up almost half of the crowd. Not to be outdone, a large group of teachers, attired in pink (think pink slips) to show their support for state educators, also turned out for the meeting. The mood in the large room was definitely somber as everyone settled in to listen to the board and District Superintendent Mary Barlow.
 Robbie Evans, Kernville Elementary School Secretary and a 19-year employee of the Kernville Union School District, displays a sign that expressed the sentiments of many district employees as drastic cutbacks were outlined at the district’s Board of Trustees meeting March 10 in Lake Isabella. |
Ultimately, the district has made all the deep and necessary cuts in the budget they could possibly make. No additional instructional materials were purchased, professional development was cancelled, routine repair and maintenance was shelved and staff assumed additional responsibilities where possible, Barlow said. She also stressed that she, along with all of the board members, do not make these decisions lightly. Recognizing the toll that the situation is having on everyone, she stated, “We are in the perfect financial storm in our district.” She thanked all of the staff for the patience and understanding that they have demonstrated towards each other throughout this difficult situation.
At this time, the district does not know the number of staff that will ultimately be affected by lay-offs and can not make any final decisions until the middle of May. The district’s legal counsel, Pete Carton, was on hand to add his insight to the situation and to answer any questions from the crowd. He stressed that the giving of notices was a necessary first step that the district must go through legally. Both Carton and Barlow referred to the importance of the May 19 Special Election, Measures 1A and 1B.
At that point, Phil Lancaster, legal counsel for the CSEA employees, made a brief presentation. The floor was then opened up for comments. Numerous classified staff addressed the board, most expressing their love for the students and the concern they have for them regarding the budget cuts. Requests were made of Barlow and the board to look further into any additional cuts that could be made to reduce the number of lay-offs. Barlow noted, “It is important to remember that the KUSD is only working with a budget of nine million.” She also added, “There is not a single individual who has been noticed that we want to lose. You are all what makes this district great.”
On a more positive note, “Bronco Bob” Van Helden, the district employee who won this year’s Whiskey Flat Mayoral race, was on hand to turn in his hard earned check. Van Helden, who ran his “It’s for the Kids” campaign to raise funds for the students of the four district schools, raised almost $13,000. He presented a check for just over $4,500, which was his portion of the monies raised in the annual Kernville Chamber Fundraiser. True to the good nature that was the mark of his campaign, Van Helden joked, “This has to be the only case where someone was happy to hand over a green check in exchange for a pink slip.”
It was then time for the board to attend to routine business. Aileen DeLapp, Stephanie Pope and John Hanzlik provided their monthly principal’s reports. That was followed by updates on PTC activity and School Site Council reports.
As the lengthy meeting began to wind down, several board members expressed their concern over the current situation. Board member Ross Elliott stated, “This is a very sad day for public education. Everyone here is an integral part of this district. The students will now be faced with a different educational environment.” He also encouraged everyone to try not to lose sight of the bigger picture and added that there is still time to explore options.
Cassie Wingender added, “As a former teacher, I know where all of your hearts are. We are all angry, upset and frustrated. This is not the fault of anyone here.” Tom Moore reminded everyone, “Mary Barlow, the superintendent of this district, has been in Sacramento pounding on doors making sure that everyone knows about us and the impact that their decisions are having on us.” He encouraged everyone to know that the situation will eventually bottom out and will begin to climb back up. He echoed the sentiments expressed by others on the board, “Each of you is truly important to us. This is one of the hardest things that I have ever had to do.”
At that point, an emotional Wendy Russ, president of the board, made a motion to adjourn. Russ’ statement to the community is printed in full on page A6. The next meeting will be at Wallace School in Lake Isabella on April 14, 2009 at 7:30 p.m.
Comments
21 comment(s)Shari wrote on Apr 7, 2009 9:38 PM:
To homeschoolingisgood wrote on Mar 31, 2009 3:56 PM:
jaime wrote on Mar 31, 2009 12:57 PM:
jaime wrote on Mar 31, 2009 12:55 PM:
against home schooling wrote on Mar 31, 2009 8:05 AM:
Homeschoolingisgood wrote on Mar 30, 2009 5:12 PM:
Former wrote on Mar 27, 2009 6:50 AM:
Soon to be former employee wrote on Mar 26, 2009 7:10 PM:
As for the socialization issues surrounding home schooling, this is only a problem if the parents make it one. Yes, activities are harder to find in our valley, but there are places to take your kids for socialization and interaction. Home school does not mean locking your kid up at home and never seeing the light of day again. Outings, field trips, and playdates are of the utmost importance. "
children first wrote on Mar 25, 2009 7:05 AM:
To Bad Idea wrote on Mar 24, 2009 8:48 AM:
Bad idea wrote on Mar 23, 2009 8:26 AM:
ex-valley-ite wrote on Mar 23, 2009 7:04 AM:
To Former employee wrote on Mar 23, 2009 7:03 AM:
Soon to be former employee wrote on Mar 22, 2009 11:09 AM:
Weekender wrote on Mar 21, 2009 7:35 PM:
Christy wrote on Mar 21, 2009 12:48 AM:
Valley-ite wrote on Mar 19, 2009 3:24 PM:
Area Republican wrote on Mar 19, 2009 9:21 AM:
Watch and Weep those who voted for Obama! "
Valley-ite wrote on Mar 19, 2009 8:03 AM:
Oh Really wrote on Mar 18, 2009 8:50 AM:
Weekender wrote on Mar 17, 2009 11:49 PM: