Details on Easy Cuts CUSD Can Make

CORRECTION: An earlier version of the story described funds being moved around were coming from from English-language learners. In fact, they funds are called Tier III funds, which in part serve English-language learners.

The is proposing a number of cuts for the 2012-13 school year that will impact everything from sports to special education to bus transportation.

Although , $11 million are cuts it can make fairly easily, without having to negotiate new agreements with labor unions, Superintendent Joseph Farley has said.

Through a Public Records Act request, Patch has obtained details for the $11 million in cuts.

In recent months, the Board of Trustees has reviewed several lists of possible lay-offs and cuts the district can make without consulting the unions. Among those that will be felt at the schools are:

• Cutting nearly 16 special education teachers
• Tightening teaching staff by reducing non-teaching assignments
• The elimination of many instructional assistant positions, including those for English learners and special education
• Reduction of , which will result in fewer hours at the middle schools
• The defunding of all boys' and girls' lacrosse coaches
• Letting go of two assistant coaches per high school for varsity football
• Reducing one assistant coach for boys' and girls' basketball and soccer teams
• The elimination of some high school activities clerks so that the schools have the same number
• Reducing the number of at the high schools and middle schools
• Cutting various stipends, including those for elementary student council, peer assistance leadership programs at the elementary and middle schools, academic competitions for the middle school (spelling bee, science fair and others)
• The elimination of all extra-curricular transportation
• Reduction of home-to-school transportation

The list will be finalized when the board passes its 2012-13 budget, scheduled for its June 27 meeting.

Moving Money Around

The district is expected to receive $21.3 million in funding targeted for specific needs. However, because of the continuing school budget crisis, the state gives school districts the flexibility to spend this money in other areas.

According to a document obtained by Patch, the district is proposing to move $9.4 million from these programs, effectively defunding some of them, including:

• Advanced Placement fee reimbursement
• PE teacher incentive grants
• Community-based English tutors
• Intensive instruction for students studying to take the California High School Exit Exam
• School counselor grants (for grades 7-12)
• Administrative training program
• Pupil retention block grants

In addition, many programs will be drastically reduced and offered on a “minimal basis,” including:

• Almost all of the summer school budget
• $1.2 of the $1.6 million for deferred maintenance
• $226,441 of the $333,730 for GATE students
• Most—$2 million of the $2.8 million—for textbook repair, replacement

In district parlance, the money is “swept” to other areas. The board will hold a public hearing about this shifting of funds at its June 11 meeting. 

Management Layoffs

In addition, the district is proposing layoffs of employees who work at the district’s headquarters in San Juan Capistrano. Among them are:

• 1 executive director of educational services
• 1 director of educational services
• 1-2 facilities personnel
• 1 manager of fiscal services
• 1 manager of technology
• 2 in the transportation department
• 1 bilingual secretary
• 1 account technician
• 4 employees in transportation, maintenance and graphics divisions

Closing Barcelona Hills Elementary

Finally, will eliminate several positions, including prinicipal, lead custodian and attendance clerk.

See the attached PDFs for more information.