Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger was quoted in USA Today describing California’s deficit as a “rock upon our chest.”  This rock, the deficit of $42 billion, is becoming more obvious every day.  

Last year’s budget crisis led to layoff notices being distributed to teachers, administrators and counselors. Fortunately for many, Barack Obama and the federal government came through with a stimulus package. The stimulus money made the cuts less drastic and almost unnoticeable.  

But the crisis is not over. On a cold Tuesday last month, Interim Superintendent Steve Vaczovsky came to Stagg to present the budget status of Stockton Unified School District to interested members of the community.

He made clear that SUSD’s prominent source of money comes from the state of California. With the state in debt SUSD is forced to make cuts and changes amounting to $20.1 million total. 

After being named interim superintendent, Vaczovsky quickly suggested an executive cabinet retreat. According to the SUSD Friday Letter the retreat was scheduled for the purpose of “part team building, part strategic planning, and part healing all with a focus (of) addressing the budget tsunami that awaits us.”  

The anticipated tsunami is expected to hurt. Anything and everything is on the chopping block in order to develop a balanced budget plan for the coming years. 

Sophomore Bailey Vincent is concerned about her health careers class. “I think it’s a good opportunity for students. It gives us a start for the future.” Vincent and five others from the academy attended the meeting to learn about the current budget situation. 

Junior Kasandra Hinojosa, also involved in the program, said, “Having electives makes you want to come to school.” Without these electives that students see as opportunities, school would be unexciting. 

Vaczovsky and Chief Financial Officer Jason Willis presented an overview of SUSD’s financial situation. The money was shown in different visuals separated by restricted and unrestricted money. There were approximately 60 attendees and about 10 were greatly participating. 

Treisa Muhammad, mother of a third grader, said, “I’m concerned about what they’re going to cut,” particularly after-school programs. 

Parents, teachers, and students are all worried about what will be cut. Vaczovsky has reached out to principals and other important sources who can evaluate the important necessities of the students and the schools.

One of the at-risk programs may be performing arts, choir teacher Mark Swope said. “I think it’s important for students to have a subject that they feel successful in and for some students that’s music, and if music was cut it will make it harder and less enjoyable for many of our students.”

Despite imminent cuts, expensive renovations, including athletic fields, are continuing. 

Measure Q is money that is strictly for the improvement of facilities. So while one can suggest stopping construction and going on without cutting programs, it is not an option.

Parents and students are welcome to share their opinions to the district. In fact, they are requesting suggestions from the community so the decisions they make are quality choices. For the moment, the district is doing its job to inform the community of the status of SUSD’s budget.

 “The fat is long since gone we are now down past the muscle, we are at the bone,” Vaczovsky said.

Once the district has a balanced budget created they will then take that to the board members who will decide what stays and what goes. 

Budget cuts will be further affected in mid January when Schwarzenegger announces mid-fiscal year budget adjustments.