Join school leaders from throughout Santa Cruz County on the steps of Santa Cruz High this Thursday, March 20, at 12:00 noon as they speak out to send a clear message to the Governor rejecting his proposed 10% across the board cuts that would decimate schools and risk student achievement.

Leaders in local education, including County Superintendent of Schools Michael Watkins, Santa Cruz City Schools Superintendent Alan Pagano and superintendents from school districts across Santa Cruz County will host a press conference on the steps of Santa Cruz High School. Assemblymember John Laird, chair of the Assembly Budget committee, will also attend.

The Governor’s proposed budget for 2008/09 forces Superintendents and Trustees to drastically cut the jobs of teachers and staff dedicated to student success. What was to be the Governor’s “Year of Education” is more of a year of disaster for California schools. Balancing the state budget through broad stroke cuts coupled with an unwillingness to raise revenues puts our schools in a precarious situation.

Santa Cruz area voters are strong supporters of public education. We expect the Governor to work with Legislators as they craft a fiscally responsible and balanced approach to the 2008/09 state budget that protects schools and provides resources for student success.

This Thursday, bring friends, signs and your voices to send a message to Sacramento that Santa Cruz area education supporters want the Governor to do his job so our school leaders can do theirs. To reinforce the message, we encourage you to wear pink, in solidarity with our valued educators who have received pink slips.

Where: Steps of Santa Cruz High School, 415 Walnut Avenue, Santa Cruz

When: 12:00 Noon, Thursday March 20th

Why: Send a message to the Governor to Protect Student Achievement

Who: Superintendents of School Districts, Government Representatives and Education Supporters from throughout Santa Cruz County