Educators Declare "State of Emergency" for California Schools

With budget negotiations between Gov. Jerry Brown and California legislators at a standstill, educators have declared a state of emergency for California public schools.

“They’re really talking about sacrificing this generation of students,” said Charmaine Kawaguchi, president of the New Haven Teachers Association. “We want them to be thoughtful and put the students of California first. The children aren’t the problem. They didn’t cause this.”

The California Teachers Association began holding rallies last month to raise awareness about the growing concerns over the state’s education crisis. Beginning May 9, the NHTA in Union City will join the CTA for a “State of Emergency” week of action. The weeklong event will include a series of activities, including a sit-in at the state Capitol, to inform residents about local impacts of the the state budget and to demand that the Legislature pass a budget that protects schools.

“We’re terrified of what could happen to us, which is why we’re trying to get the public engaged,” Kawaguchi said.

In January, Brown proposed asking voters to extend three taxes due to expire on June 30 to help close the $25.4 billion budget deficit. Brown has said that the extensions would help prevent about $12 billion in cuts that affect mostly schools and welfare programs. 

Although the California Legislature agreed to parts of Brown’s deep-cuts proposal to resolve $14 billion of the state's shortfall, negotiations halted last month after Republican lawmakers failed to support a June election on the tax extensions. A new proposal is currently in the works.

In February, district officials said the district could face a $10.2 million deficit—which may result in a loss of as much as $1,000 per student—if neither the state tax extensions nor Measure B, a local parcel tax, pass.

Measure B is currently being voted on in a mail-only special election through May 3. Voters may until 8 p.m. Tuesday at designated locations.

The New Haven Unified School District  has already issued layoff notices to more than 65 employees, including teachers and counselors, and approved the closure of the New Haven Adult School along with middle and high school libraries.

State Treasurer Bill Lockyer has even suggested in the past that the state may need to cut six weeks out of the school calendar.

“Nobody’s sure what’s going to happen,” Kawaguchi said.

To pressure lawmakers into taking action, the CTA launched the “State of Emergency” campaign. Teachers associations across the state will mobilize from May 9 through 13 to continue to voice concerns about the future of California education.

Each day of the “State of Emergency” week is dedicated to a different effort:

• Monday, May 9, is legislative day, where teachers will call, email and visit lawmakers.
• On Tuesday, May 10, teachers will reach out to parents by walking neighborhoods, handing out letters and taking other outreach actions.
• On Wednesday, May 11, NHTA will partner with other public employee alliances, including the Union City Police Officers Association and Alameda County Firefighters Association, to hold a community barbecue.
• Teachers will promote the need for school revenues on Thursday, May 12, by educating community members about tax reform.
• NHTA will encourage parents and community members to join them on Friday, May 13, for the “Not Business as Usual” rally in San Francisco at Civic Center Plaza from 4 to 6 p.m. CTA members will also rally in Sacramento, where 300 volunteers will complete a week-long sit-in at the capitol.

“We want to join together with the community to fight for what’s right,” Kawaguchi said.