New education budget cuts will threaten CHS in many ways, according to principal Mr. Rick Spears. There could be fewer classes, less teacher training conferences, and less money available for technology and classroom materials. Athletic programs could also be potentially cut back

According to Governor Schwarzenegger’s new budget plan, education will be hit with drastic cuts. Most of all, as proposed in the recent State of the State address, school districts will be given a lump fund of money.

For many years, school districts have been receiving money in the form of categorical block funds. Categorical funds are budgeted amounts of money set aside for things like safety and school improvement. But this is no longer the case. CHS will be given this lump fund to use as the administration feels fit.

Extra-curricular activities and clubs are not threatened, Mr. Spears said, because they are cheap to run and make their own money. However, sports have been cut in the past because of budget problems. Just last year, three coaches and the alpine skiing program. Some elective courses could be eliminated, but the administration won’t know which until the master schedule is decided in a few months and they know which teachers are possibly retiring.

Senior Rocky Orozco is worried that the school may raise cafeteria food prices again to cover losses. “If the price of cafeteria food goes up again, things will get ugly,” Orozco said.

Other students aren’t as worried about the budget cuts. Shane Trimmer, senior, said, “I don’t really care because I haven’t seen how it directly effects our education. I’m fine with it if it puts us on track for a balanced budget.”

If students and staff are interested in helping the school with its budgetary woes, Mr. Spears suggested that they volunteer to help with landscaping for the new building, thus alleviating some of the extra cost.