School District Cuts Teachers and Staff

Facing economic instability for the next fiscal year, the Millbrae School District announced Tuesday that it will eliminate several positions in order to balance its budget.

As of July 1, the district will not renew the contracts of three teachers, one counselor and five part-time employees, which will offset almost all of the $800,000 shortfall projected for the 2011-12 fiscal year.

“The children at the elementary schools will not receive any computer lab classes,” said Dianna Thomas, a computer aide who will be laid off after eight years at and Green Hills elementary schools. “Technology is so important to our students, and I feel it’s a necessary item.”

The district foresees a potential deficit of up to $1.6 million for next year if state voters don’t approve tax extensions in June. After the state passes the budget, the Millbrae School District will have 45 days to amend its own budget—potentially hiring back some teachers or implementing further reductions.

Hoping to combat Millbrae's school cuts, local nonprofits, such as the Millbrae Education Foundation, are hosting fundraisers.

To date, the MEF has raised $100,000, but the school district has yet to decide how it will spend the money.

“Until the district receives the actual monies [from MEF], we have to eliminate those positions,” said Superintendent Linda Luna. She said the state requires the district to have the money in its account before it can allocate it.

“One of the frustrating things that we face is that we set a budget, and make decisions based on a budget that we’re required to have by June 30,” said Don Revelo, school district president. “Yet, the State of California does not guarantee that they’ll do likewise, and the past has shown that they could go to October until they pass a budget.”

The Millbrae School District will meet again on May 23 at 7 p.m.