Parents to Legislators: “Blow Bubbles, Not Budgets”

Burlingame students and parents gathered outside of Thursday morning blowing bubbles and urging California legislators not “to blow it” by passing a budget that fully funds education, instead of one dependent on a not-yet-passed November initiative.

“Blow bubbles, not budgets,” was the idea behind the mostly quiet demonstration of about a dozen people held during Lincoln’s morning drop-off. Parents held signs and handed out flyers while children blew bubbles.

“We are trying to raise awareness and ask voters in California to let their legislators know this is not an acceptable way to fund education,” said Lincoln parent and an event organizer Deborah Leon. “We can’t rely on a budget and initiative that may not pass in November…we elect our legislators to do their jobs and to legislate and come together and provide for our kids.”

The Burlingame protest was one of nearly 60 planned for Thursday throughout California organized by the group Educate Our State. Educate Our State is a parent-led, grass roots organization with the goal of bringing change in public education funding to California.   

Thursday also marks the deadline for districts to alert employees of potential layoffs. California districts are looking at cutting 20,000 teachers. Although some teachers may keep their jobs once promised state funding comes through, districts must plan for next year without a passed state budget, which can result in layoffs in preparation for additional funding cuts or shortfalls.

Burlingame will send layoff notices to 14.5 full-time equivalent positions.

While the Burlingame School District has healthy reserves, it still must prepare for mid-year cuts, spurring parents to participate in protests like the one on Thursday.

“In Burlingame, we’re very fortunate...we are not in dire straits right now,” said Leon. “But, if the Governor’s budget and his initiative together do not pass in November, then we will see mid-year cuts.”

Want to get involved? Visit www.ThisBudgetBlows.org or www.EducateOurState.org for more information.

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