By Allie Campbell
Calendar Editor
Due to the sound foresight of the MBUSD school board in creating fiscally responsible budgets in the past, the district will be stable in upcoming years.
These responsible actions, along with substantial donations from the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation, greatly benefit Mira Costa students. It has allowed Costa to maintain its diverse classes, extracurriculars and student resources that set the school apart.
Through cuts and MBEF donations, the board has created a level of stability unseen in many districts across the state. As a result, students formulate consistent schedules and take advantage of resources like the College and Career Center.
Now, however, is the time for the board to dig into its savings to keep its valued programs afloat. Today is the rainy day.
California Governor Jerry Brown will be asking Californians to approve an extension of 2009 tax hikes in a special election this spring, which forces MBUSD to plan out two options. If the extensions don’t pass, the district will lose $2.3 million in state funds.
However, due to the school board’s wise, preemptive budget cuts in previous years, MBUSD will remain stable regardless of the election’s outcome.
In the worst-case scenario, the tax extensions will not pass and MBUSD will lose $349 per student. Because of the district’s conservativism in past years, though, MBUSD is confident that it will avoid employee cuts even if the extensions do not pass.
The board’s willingness to use part of the $15 million it has reserved to save teachers’ jobs this year also demonstrates that it understands the vital role of a teacher in a student’s education.
If the extension is rejected, MBUSD plans to use its reserves, creating a $5 million deficit by 2012.
Though many argue that the deficit should be avoided through cuts, the debt is worth keeping the exceptional programs that set MBUSD apart.
Costa students are priveliged to study in a district that has avoided major budget cuts. MBEF has been a major benefactor, donating $4.1 million and saving 66 positions this year.
By contrast, El Segundo Unified School District plans to make approximately $705,000 in cuts if the tax extensions are passed, and an additional $760,000 in cuts if they are not.
While El Segundo might have to cut teachers and counselors if the tax extensions don’t pass, MBUSD will likely avoid major cuts due to moderate spending and MBEF donations.
If MBUSD continues to look forward in its decision-making and plans realistically, the district will continue to excel.
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