RBUSD Event Emphasizes Community

"Schoomunnity"—a combination of "school" and "community"—was the word of the evening at the 's "" event Wednesday night at .

The word, coined by Dr. Steven Keller, the district's superintendent, sums up how the those in the education community need to work together, especially in the face of budget cuts.

In his speech, Keller applauded the school upgrades made with Measure C funds, increased enrollment and higher API scores, and recognized Sandy Pringle as the Education Advocate of the Year.

"I'm really proud to be part of this … It's like a wave, a tidal wave," Pringle said upon receiving the award.

Other dignitaries in the audience included Redondo Beach Mayor Mike Gin, State Sen. Ted Lieu, Councilman Matthew Kilroy and school board member Anita Averick.

Lieu used his time in front of the audience to explain the budget situation in Sacramento and how it affects Redondo schools.

"We [balanced the budget] not the way I would have done it," he said.

According to Lieu, the state instituted "trigger cuts" based on the amount of revenue the state takes in.

"We only put it in as a last resort," he said.

If there's a $1 billion shortfall, the state will cut social programs and funding to the UC and CSU systems, among others.

A $2 billion revenue shortfall means that K-12 programs will be cut. These cuts would probably shorten the school year by a week.

"We're hoping that doesn't happen," Lieu said. "California, in my view, is still a pretty amazing place."

Keller later explained that if those trigger cuts are implemented, the district may have to implement furlough days for the first time in history. Staff may be required to take up to four days of unpaid time off.

Despite the disappointing news on the budget front, the mood for the rest of the evening was positive. Attendees enjoyed tasting chili and winning dozens of raffle prizes.