April 5, 2005

School Scene

Public servants rally against Schwarzenegger’s budget plan

By Kymberli W. Brady
Staff Writer

While Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger wined and dined supporters during a fund-raiser at the Fairmont Hotel on Thursday, a vocal faction of angry protestors chanted outside.

Angry, but orderly civil servants, including teachers, nurses, doctors, and firefighters chanted outside the Fairmont Hotel Thursday afternoon and evening, while Gov. Schwarzenegger entertained well-heeled supporters inside.

More than 1,000 disenfranchised school teachers, nurses, police officers, and firefighters filled the streets along Plaza de Chavez and clamored for the attention of well-heeled Silicon Valley supporters who attended the $1,000 a plate dinner on behalf of the Citizens to Save California, a committee formed to promote Schwarzenegger’s plan to overhaul state government.

“The committee is promoting the governor’s four ballot initiatives,” explained Communications Director Reed Dickens. “Two for education regarding tenure and merit pay, one on pension and one on the budget. The committee is obviously endorsing, funding, and collecting signatures so if the governor calls for a special election in June, they will qualify for the ballot in the fall.”

Dickens said they are well on their way toward the June deadline and reaching a goal of $13 million to qualify the measures that seek to redraw district boundaries and redefine state spending limits, public employee pensions, and teacher salaries by paying them according to performance, rather than seniority.

According to Assemblyman Keith Richmond, massive pension deficits, generous benefit increases and “out-of-control pension costs” across the state prompted him to look for a new public employee retirement program, one similar to those provided by most private-sector employers, sighting several Bay Area examples where government agencies have cut services to meet pension obligations.

Although members of the governor’s camp and hotel officials declined to comment on the soirée inside, the assemblage outside contained a glut of willing participants determined to have their say.

While supporters dined on lavish cuisine in a private, well-guarded suite, signs stating “$10,000 dinners would buy a lot of classroom supplies” waved passionately in the hands of teachers just yards outside, chanting, “Arnold—Recall!”

Pink slipped—Almaden resident and teacher of 14 years. Most recently at Santa Clara High School, voted 1998 teacher of the year, nationally board certified. Still, Cathy Gonzales was one of 933 East Side Union School District teachers laid off last week in recent budget cut moves.

“Hey hey, ho ho, the Terminator has got to go!” they also sang, joined by teachers, firefighters, parents, and supporters, while wielding signs like “The kindergarten cop cops out,” “Kids count—Arnie can’t,” “Manly men keep their promises,” “Education is not a movie,” and “Governor—or schoolyard bully?”

“What he and Assembly member Richmond are proposing is wrong,” stated Firefighter Union representative Randy Sekany. “It’s wrong for firefighters and police officers. It’s wrong for nurses. It’s wrong for teachers. It’s wrong for the kids—it’s wrong for California.”

Yet, according to a grand jury probe, Santa Clara County pension costs have risen from $66 to $95 million to in the past three years—a nearly 50 percent increase and CalPERS and CalSTRS, two of the state’s largest pension funds are currently under funded by more than $20 billion.

“The solution to California’s pension crisis is obvious to all but those lucky few who benefit from the current system.” Richmond stated. “For politicians, establishing a match rate for employee contributions is an easy-to-understand decision with predictable costs—just the type of fiscal accountability taxpayers deserve and can afford.”

“When we signed on, we knew we were taking a dangerous job,” Sekany argued. “We’re willing to get hurt—we’re even willing to die to save the lives of our citizens, but we’re not willing to put our wives and our children at risk of leaving them without disability or death benefits. It’s not right. Just like it’s not right to cut the classrooms and take money out of our kid’s education. We’re all special interest groups. We’re interested in the lives of others. Nurses are interested in saving lives and taking care of people. Teachers are interested in our children. Doing this is not right and Arnold’s got to know it.”

Education hit hardest
Although commercials tout Schwarzenegger’s insistence that money tagged for education has increased and now totals half the sate budget, Sekany and other say it’s still not what voters approved when Prop 98 was passed, requiring that roughly two thirds be allocated to schools. A deal struck last year was supposed to bring full funding back this year, and they say he has yet to come through.

“The fact is, it’s not the amount that is supposed to be coming in,” Sekany said. “It may be half, but it’s not the amount that the voters said they wanted done. He’s supposed to be for the people when the voters speak. He
said he would do it—so give the amount the legislation and the law says. He’s not keeping his promise.”

“He’s hurting our kids,” said Oak Grove High School teacher Jared Thompson, waving a photo of the scantily clad body builder with the words, ‘Go pump yourself, leave 98 alone.’

At least 1,000 angry protestors rallied outside the Fairmont Hotel Thursday, while Gov. Schwarzenegger held a private fundraising dinner inside.

“Union School District already sent out 933 pink slips,” Thompson added. “That’s two thirds. I don’t know who’s going to teach.”

“They pink slipped our entire English, math and science departments,” said Almaden/Blossom Valley resident Cathy Gonzales, who has been teaching for over 14 years and earned the title of 1998 teacher of the year at Santa Clara High School. “We’re facing class size increases and we’re losing our librarians, our counselors, and our career techs. They keep saying all but about 100 will be back in the classrooms, but then why did they put us through this?

Gonzales added after speaking with the superintendent during the Caesar Chavez awards luncheon earlier that day, that approximately 400 rescind notices are being prepared.

“That was one week ago,” she said. “Can’t they organize this better? At $5 per certified letter, that’s over $4,600 that could go to the classrooms. And of course, everyone’s requesting hearings, so the legal process has started. We’re all blown away.”

Included in the mix were parents and supporters of Prop 98, including Cheriel Jensen of Saratoga, who said, “I’m just out here protecting our kids.”

“I think Arnie should stop clowning around and take the people’s interests to heart,” said Cambrian’s Sam Jones, who attended the rally with his father Raphael.

“I’m very disappointed,” Raphael added. “I didn’t expect much from him, but I’m very unhappy to see this. It’s not good for California.”

Yet, Dickens reminds constituents that it is best to put everything into context and remember two things.

“One, this committee has to raise funds and collect signatures from supporters across the state who support reforming the way California government operates,” he said. “On the other hand, you have the union bosses dictating to their members what they have to protest and where they have to show up and then sending them the bill. We don’t just steal the money out of their paychecks and make them support the opposition. They are being told to show up. Two, the people of California sent this governor to clean up the capitol. Now that he’s bringing major reforms to the table, we totally expect major opposition. The union’s number-one goal is to keep things just the way they are. Gray Davis and the state legislature spent years cutting deals with the unions so obviously they want to keep things status quo.”

San Jose Christian puts on a spirited version
of ‘The Adventures of Tom Sawyer’

By Julie Davis Berry
Executive Editor

The former domed theater on Blossom Hill Road, now known as Cornerstone Community Church, was transformed recently into the late 1840s small town of St. Petersburg, Mo. as San Jose Christian School put on an entertaining performance of “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer”.

The cast of “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.”

The school, which is actually located in Campbell on the Dover Elementary School site, puts on a play every year. This year the directors Kevin Schenk and Joel Rietema chose “Tom Sawyer”, the story of an orphan boy being raised by his loving but frustrated aunt (played by Kristen Rhea) who much to her dismay often seeks out adventure—and finds it in spades.

“Tom” was played with mischievous charm by eighth grader Thomas Peters. In the play Tom has a reputation among the other boys as a school-ditching, rabble-rouser and, among the girls, as a flirtatious charmer. The object of his affections is the new girl in town, Becky Thatcher, who is played by Lara Lovalia, much to the disgust of an aggressive suitor, Amy Lawrence humorously played by Alyson Fredrick.

When Tom and his friend Huckleberry Finn, played by the convincing Camille Guenard, seek a cure for warts in a graveyard they accidentally witness the murder of Doc Robinson by the Native American “half-breed” Injun Joe, played menacingly by Andrew Marovich. When Injun Joe tries to pin the murder on his companion Muff Potter, Tom and Huck have a hard time keeping their blood oath not to turn in the real murderer.

When they finally do speak up about the real murderer to the town Constable, played with gusto by “special guest” director Rietema, Injun Joe vows revenge.

Eventually, Tom and Becky get together again and after Tom finds a map for buried treasure, Injun Joe discovers Tom with the gold, which leads to a scuffle in which Injun Joe is thrown off a cliff. Tom and Becky are saved, a local woman adopts Huckleberry Finn and everyone ends up living happily ever after.

The play featured 23 student actors and the behind the scenes talents of a number of dedicated school staff members and parent helpers.

San Jose Christian hosts many musical performances and drama presentations throughout the year as part of the arts they offer in the curriculum. The school offers classes for children from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. For more information on the school call 371-7741 or visit www.sjchristian.org

Groups rally in San Jose against governor’s education cuts

By Carol Rosen
Staff Writer

At least 1,000 people joined with the Education Coalition at John Muir Middle School March 9 to give Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger the message that they are unhappy with potential cuts to an already slashed state school budget.

Campbell high school teacher Paul Pinza addresses the March 9 rally on behalf of the 14,000-plus teachers in Santa Clara County. The English teacher stressed the importance of public school and reiterated the theme of the rally, to save Prop 98.

Santa Clara County parents, students, teachers, administrators, classified employees, service union leaders and superintendents came out to protest cutting Proposition 98 along with various local and state elected officials including Colleen Wilcox, the county’s superintendent of education.

The first of many rallies across the state, its aim was to get the attention of Schwarzenegger and the legislature, and to make them understand that the state’s electorate is unwilling to see an already beleaguered education system further jeopardized by continuing budget cuts.

Big turnout
If noise and attendance were the main criteria, this rally won hands down. The crowd was respectful of speakers, but loud in its determination that Prop 98 be saved. Speakers criticized the governor for reneging on his 2004 promise to give public education its “fair share” this year and spare future cuts.

PTA officials from the various school districts spurred parents, teachers and administrators to attend the rally. All of the groups worked quite hard to ensure a large turnout.

The number of people attending didn’t surprise San Jose Unified School District PTA President Joan Cooper. “We worked hard to get these people out,” she told the Times.

Cooper corroborated a later statement by Union School District (USD) Superintendent Phil Quon. “There had to be more than 1,000 people there. More than 900 people signed the attendance list,” which put them on a mailing list for future activities and further information, he said. Others pointed out there was a large number of students attending.

Governor’s promise
According to Wilcox, the rally did get attention from both the governor and the legislature. And, while Schwarzenegger “dismissed the issues out of hand,” the legislature was well aware of it, Wilcox indicated, adding that the legislature and the public are beginning to understand Prop 98.

In Cooper’s observation, the governor doesn’t understand yet how important this is to his constituents. “He got a glimpse of it, but he will be getting it step-by-step and inch-by-inch,” she said. “Students, parents, teachers and administrators all need to stay united and show the governor we’re willing to invest in our children’s education.”

In January 2004, according to a press release from the governor’s office, “Schwarzenegger and members of the Education Coalition* announced an education funding agreement that will help alleviate the state’s current fiscal emergency while protecting the integrity of Proposition 98 and increasing per pupil funding from last year.

“‘Education is the key to every future success for our state,’” the release quoted Schwarzenegger as saying. “‘This Prop 98 funding will be restored as required by law and our agreement. Today, I am making that promise to our teachers and students.’”

“When Proposition 98 was passed by the voters, we expected a minimum amount of funding for public education. He [Schwarzenegger] assured us of that,” Wilcox said. “His current actions jeopardize [even] that minimum amount of funding, which has ultimately placed us in the bottom 10 states for education. Taking away the minimum funding would be devastating to public education,” she added.

Poor ratings
Speaker after speaker brought up statistics about California’s public education system, which puts our schools in the bottom of important categories. For example:

California ranks 44th in per-pupil funding.

California public schools have endured nearly $10 billion in cuts since 2001. The cuts resulted in school closures, lay offs and a devastating shortage of nurses, custodians and groundskeepers.

California ranks 50th in library books per student.

California ranks 48th in the average number of students per teacher.

California ranks 50th in guidance counselors, librarians and computers per student.

California schools have and continue to cut art and music programs, while extracurricular programs typically are only funded by districts with strongly supported parent foundations.

California’s public school after school programs have been massacred and school building maintenance is substantially under funded.

In the past two years, other speakers noted that 17 Santa Clara County schools have closed. Six of those schools are part of San Jose Unified, which has cut more than $10 million for the coming year.

“If Arnold gets his way, more [schools] will have to close. In the last three years, school districts have been struggling with budget cuts, closing schools, cutting staff and key programs, such as music, art and band. The governor turned his back on us and is ignoring Prop 98,” said 24th District State Assemblywoman Rebecca Cohn.

If Schwarzenegger’s education cuts are passed, that means a $10,000 deduction in every classroom in California, she added.

Information leads to understanding
“I think the people in this county and this state need to recognize what the governor’s proposals will do to public education funding,” said Phil Quon, superintendent of the Union School District in San Jose’s Cambrian Park area.
He agreed with San Jose Unified School District Superintendent Don Iglesias that “it’s a year later and his [Schwarzenegger’s] promise has been broken. With his budget proposals, Governor Schwarzenegger has decided to ignore the priorities set by the voters and turn his back on the agreement he made last year when he took $2 billion from public schools and told us he would not be back for more. “

The two superintendents are most concerned about Schwarzenegger’s proposal to allow the state to make mid-year cuts in school funding. “I don’t know how we can run school districts with the specter of mid-year cuts hanging over us,” said Quon.

“The governor’s budget proposals are the most significant threat to public education we have ever faced in California. We are in a fight for the future of the children of California and we will prevail,” said Iglesias.

“My colleagues and I are reaching out to our communities to let them know what is going on because the more informed they are, the more understanding they have,” said Quon. Besides the rally, Quon attended a community budget meeting March 15, to make parents aware of what the governor’s proposed cuts will mean to the school community.

Speakers
There was little room to stand or even move during the rally. Teachers, parents, students and administrators held signs, which mostly carried the words “Save our Schools” and “Protect Prop 98,” although a few urged “Terminate the Terminator.”

The speakers also were a diverse group. Besides Wilcox, Iglesias and Quon acted as masters of ceremonies and were joined by Los Gatos-Saratoga Joint Union School District Superintendent Cindy Ranii. San Jose City councilmembers Nancy Pyle and Judy Chirco attended while a representative for Sally Lieber spoke.

Pearl Cheng, president of the Santa Clara School Board Association and Cupertino Union School District board member urged attendees to let their elected representatives know the importance of school funding.

Other speakers included Dean Vogel, secretary/treasurer of the California Teachers Association, Donna D’Arcy who is a board of director for the California School Employees Association and Union School District employee and Laura Casas-Frier, Sixth District PTA director of legislation. The final speaker was Campbell Union High School District English teacher Paul Pinza who represented the 14,000 teachers in Santa Clara County.

*The Education Coalition is made up of the Association of California School Administrators, the California Association of School Business Officials, the California County Superintendents Educational Services Association, the California Federation of Teachers, the California School Boards Association, the California School Employees Association, the California State PTA, California Teachers Association and Service Employees International Union.

Westmont High School presents ‘Suessical, the Musical’

Westmont High School is currently presenting “Suessical, the Musical”, described as a fresh, new interactive show that practically leaps off the stage in a burst of color, style and song. With a colorful score that includes pop, gospel, blues and R & B, the Tony Award winning team of Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty has created a delightful re-imagining of the witty, wild and whimsical world of Dr. Suess.

Performances run through April 23 and advance tickets are $12. Tickets may be purchased at the door for $15. Call 378-1500 for more information.

Facing enormous college tuition bills?

Check out tuition and fees tax deductions–who qualifies and how

Those facing skyrocketing college tuition bills will want to learn as much as possible about how the tuition and fee deduction can lower their tax bills. Before filing your 2004 federal tax return, here are responses to the most common questions about this deduction from the California Society of CPAs.

What is the tax benefit of the tuition and fees deduction?
This deduction can reduce the amount of your income that is subject to tax by up to a maximum of $4,000 on your 2004 tax return—that’s up from $3,000 in 2003. The tuition deduction is taken as an adjustment to gross income, which means you can claim this deduction even if you do not itemize.

Who is eligible for the tuition deduction?
You may be able to deduct qualified education expenses paid during the year for yourself, your spouse, or a dependent. The amount you can deduct depends on your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI). You are not eligible for the tuition deduction if another person can claim an exemption for you as a dependent. Also excluded are married persons filing separately.

What is the amount of the tuition and fees deduction for 2004?
For 2004, you qualify for the maximum deduction of $4,000 if your MAGI is not more than $65,000 for single filers and $130,000 for married taxpayers filing jointly. If you’re a single filer and your MAGI is more than $65,000 but not more than $80,000, your deduction is limited to $2,000. The $2,000 deduction also applies to joint filers whose MAGI is higher than $130,000, but not more than $160,000. No tuition and fees deduction is allowed if your MAGI exceeds $80,000 for single filers and $160,000 for joint filers. The $4,000 maximum deduction remains in effect in 2005, after which it is scheduled to expire.

What education expenses qualify?
Qualified expenses include tuition and fees but not books, personal, or living expenses, such as room and board. The costs of course-related books and supplies are not considered qualified education expenses unless these expenses must be paid to the institution as a condition of enrollment or attendance.

What if I use funds from a Coverdell Education Savings Account to pay for tuition and expenses?

When you pay your tuition with tax-advantaged education funds from a Coverdell Education Savings Account or a state tuition plan, or with the interest on U.S. savings bonds, you must subtract these amounts from your qualified expenses to arrive at the deductible amount. The same rule applies to any nontaxable employer-provided education benefits you receive.

What about graduate school?
Graduate or undergraduate level college courses can be deducted. You don’t have to be a full-time student to qualify.

However, the educational institution must be eligible to participate in the student aid programs administered by the Department of Education. Virtually all accredited public, nonprofit, and proprietary postsecondary institutions are eligible.

What if I have two children in college at the same time?
The tuition and fees deduction is $4,000 total per year, regardless of how many dependents are in school at the same time.

Can I take either the Hope or Lifetime Learning credit and the tuition deduction?
No, you cannot claim the tuition deduction if you also take the Hope or Lifetime Learning credit for the same student in the same year. Be aware that credits are typically more beneficial. So, before you take the tuition deduction, determine whether you can qualify for either of the two education credits.

Where can I get more help?
Check the Internal Revenue Service Web site (www.irs.gov) or consult with a Certified Public Accountant if you would like to learn more about how the tuition and fees deduction can save you valuable tax dollars.

For more tax information visit the California Society of CPAs Web site at www.calcpa.org.