CUSD Foundation Blog

State Budget Crisis Leads to More Than $25 Million in Proposed Cuts from CUSD – 51,000 Students Need Community’s Support

cusdfoundation — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 22:35:50 +0000

Organized to help reduce the impact of budget cuts at local schools, the 16th Annual CUSD Foundation Golf Classic will take place on Monday, September 21 at the El Niguel Country Club. Just days remain for golfers and sponsors to get on par with academic excellence and register to help the students and teachers of the Capistrano Unified School District.

The Exclusive El Niguel Country Club

The current state budget crisis is compromising the quality education that is synonymous with the CUSD and adversely affecting more than 51,000 students and teachers. Expanding class sizes and aging infrastructures are just two consequences of such fiscal instability at the 56 schools within the Capistrano Unified School District.

2009-10 budget cuts hit home at the CUSD:

Per pupil funding reduced by $682.
Class Size Reduction (CSR) program eliminated in Grades 2 and 3.
Student-to-teacher ratio increases to 31.5 to 1 in Grades 2 and 3.
Student-to-teacher ration increases to 25 to 1 in Grade 1.
9 Assistant Principals at K-5 schools eliminated.
2 Assistant Principals at Middle Schools eliminated.
17.5 Guidance counselor positions eliminated.
Funding for high school sports reduced.

Although more than 51,000 CUSD students within the CUSD will be directly impacted by these budget cuts, the local community can make an immediate difference through the CUSD Foundation.

Hosting its 16th Annual Golf Classic and auction on Monday, September 21, the CUSD Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)3 fundraising entity operating independently of the District. With a firm belief that education is the core of a strong community, the Foundation is dedicated to enriching the lives of every student at every school within the District.

The cost to golf in this year’s event is just $250, which includes food and refreshments on the course and dinner at the exclusive El Niguel Country Club in Laguna Niguel. For guests attending only the dinner and auctions portion of the event, the cost is $50.

The 16th Annual CUSD Foundation Golf Classic benefits its Grant Incentives for Teachers (GIFT) Program, which supports enhanced and innovative teaching programs by offering grants to teachers who work to enrich the classroom learning experience.

The GIFT Program in Action:

Grants fund science equipment, upgraded computers and software, video equipment, reading material and tools for literacy building, and innovative teaching technologies.
Over the past several years, the CUSD Foundation has given more than $200,000 to teachers throughout the District directly through the GIFT Program.
For a complete list of programs aided by GIFT Program, visit www.cusdfoundation.org/money-raised.

Time is running out to join key contributors who support inspiring minds. Those interested in championing the next generation of CUSD scholars by participating in the 16th Annual CUSD Foundation Golf Classic are encouraged to register online, today, at www.cusdfoundation.org. A complete list of local businesses that have proudly pledged their support to the CUSD’s 51,000 students and their community, as a whole, is also available online.

More About The CUSD Foundation:

In 2008, the CUSD Foundation raised more than $1 million to save the jobs of 266 teachers, who were given pink slips at the end of the 2008-09 school year, which would have led to larger class sizes.
According to Mariann Duff, who teaches 3rd Grade at George White Elementary, “I am so grateful to the Foundation for what it did for our teachers and students last year! I am a 3rd Grade teacher, and had the CUSD Foundation not raised $1 million, our 20 to 1 ratio might have been eliminated, which would have left me and so many others without a job. It was also so uplifting to hear about the many parents out there fighting for all of us in the midst of last year’s budget crisis, when it seemed like the only news we were receiving from the state was very bleak. Thank you so much for your generosity and time. It was very much appreciated!”

For more information on the CUSD Foundation, please visit www.cusdfoundation.org.

New Board Member

cusdfoundation — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 18:40:30 +0000

The CUSD Foundation has a new board of directors member. Her name is Del Dinger. She has been very involved in the PTA and other activities and groups at her children’s schools. She brings her experience to the foundation as well as the perspective of a parent of CUSD children.

We all have the same goal in mind… we want to maintain the quality of our children’s education in spite of the budget and economic crisis. The more people, like Del, who are willing to help meet that goal, the more successful we will be.

In a perfect world we would all work together to reach that common goal. If I could get one message across it would be for people to understand that we are working very hard for the good of the children. Are things the way we want them to be right now? No. Would it help if everyone worked together as a supportive group, doing whatever we could to raise money… for the children? Absolutely!

Opinions and perspectives

cusdfoundation — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 18:07:43 +0000

There are many opinions and perspectives regarding the budget, unions, programs, etc. These are hot-button issues that many are passionate about because it involves their children’s education.

As a non-political, non-profit organization the CUSD Foundation is here to support the children in any way we can without becoming involved in the politics.

Please support the children by participating in our upcoming 3/5K run. Whatever your thoughts about the budget cuts, raising money for a program like our grant program is one way to get funds directly into the classrooms where they are needed the most.

3/5K Event Planned

cusdfoundation — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 22:47:03 +0000

Finally, after many weeks of work… the 3/5K event is set!

Last week’s news that CSR has been cut from the budget was very disappointing. It is a topic that is an emotional one for parents with young children affected by the decision. While we cannot save CSR, what we can do is show teachers we support them.

The proceeds of this event will benefit our grant program for teachers. It is our way of getting much-needed teaching materials directly into the classrooms, where they are needed most.

Show the entire district that we support our teachers! Participate in this event. Think of what a statement it would make if huge numbers came out to participate!

Where CUSD Foundation funds go

cusdfoundation — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 20:57:04 +0000

I have been hearing some surprising things lately about where people think CUSD Foundation funds go or have gone in the past. Maybe communication in the past has not been sufficient and that needs to change. Changes are being made. Our website is all-new, with more details added and more to come. sign up on the website to receive our emails and you’ll be even more informed.

One thing is for sure, this Foundation is dedicated to helping the children in the Capistrano Unified School District. All of them. Look soon for information to be posted on the website showing exactly where all funds raised have gone. We want you to be certain where your donations go. If there are any questions, contact us and we’ll answer them.

Spring Break

cusdfoundation — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 17:35:23 +0000

Well, spring break is coming! I’m wondering if most people are staying around here or taking off somewhere. Has the economy changed your plans? And, how about your kids… are they already in spring break mode and not as focused on school? If so, what can we do to motivate them to hang in until break and give their best effort?

Possible Cuts

cusdfoundation — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 17:51:35 +0000

There has been much talk lately about the school district budget and which programs could potentially be in jeopardy and the many areas in need of funding. If you’re the parent of a young elementary age child, class size is a priority. Parents of older children worry about cuts to the music program. High school parents fear losing valuable academic advisors and cuts to sports programs.

What are your budget concerns? Do you have any ideas for helping to solve the problem. Do you feel it would be beneficial to contact your senator or the Governor?

Your School’s Needs

cusdfoundation — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 16:33:56 +0000

The school district includes grades Kindergarten through 12th grade. That means students ranging in age from 5 years old to 18. It’s easy to focus on my child’s school and what its most pressing needs are. That’s human nature, to look at the world from our own perspective. But, there are 55 other schools in the district, and 11 other grade levels.

So, what I’m wondering is… what are the most pressing issues at your child’s school?

Get in shape and raise funds too

cusdfoundation — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 16:41:07 +0000

We here at the CUSD Foundation are thinking about a fundraising opportunity. We think that a 5-10K run/walk would be a great way to raise funds for the children of the district. Plus,it could be a huge multi-community event, including local businesses, restaurants, and families.

This district serves 7 cities, 56 schools, and over 51,000 students! Wouldn’t it be great to have each city, school, and grade represented in a fun, charity event like this?

What do you think? Would you participate? Do you know anyone who would? What could we do to make it even more fun for you and your whole family?

College Requirements

cusdfoundation — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 21:47:37 +0000

Whatever the age of your children, whether seniors in high school or still in pre-school, at some point college entry requirements will be an issue in your life. If you’ve been there, done that, what advice can you give to help the rest of us? What would you do differently? Was the information received at your child’s school clear? Was it adequate? Did you receive information from other sources? And how about test prep… did your child have a tutor to prepare for SAT testing?

Fill me in, because I will need to start thinking about these issues as I have a child going into high school next year.