Teachers, Parents Students: Rally For Schools Friday

Please join local educators for a rally on Friday, May 13 from 4:30-6p.m. on the Sonoma Plaza!

Our schools, colleges and communities are suffering because of continued state budget cuts, and cuts to local safety and health agencies also threaten the quality of life in our communities.

California has the eighth-largest economy in the world, but continues to rank near the bottom of all states in per-pupil funding for the education our students need and deserve.

Lawmakers have already made $12 billion in painful cuts, but need to close the remaining budget deficit of $15 billion and may do this through further cuts to public education.

We have to consider whether California can survive an all-cuts budget. K-12 and higher education funding in California has been cut by more than $20 billion the past three years, resulting in the loss of more than 30,000 educators and 10,000 school support employees.

The Education Coalition is asking for public support for a week of action with parents, teachers, school employees, students, a dministrators, school board members, community leaders and other Education Coalition groups.

The Education Coalition's May 9-13 week of action is summed up with the acronym L.E.A.R.N.:

Monday, May 9 - Focus on Legislative activities

Tuesday, May 10 - Reach out to Every parent

Wednesday, May 11 - Use Day of the Teacher to Appreciate our public school employees

Thursday, May 12 - Consider the need for Revenue for schools and other essential services

Friday, May 13 - It is Not business as usual. The Education Coalition will sponsor rallies in Sacramento and San Francisco.