[courtesy of California Progress Report]

By Lisa Schiff

My daughter’s teacher was one of the 500-plus who received pink slips this month, preliminary notices that by law must be sent out by a certain date if layoffs are likely given budget forecasts for the upcoming year. This teacher, like so many in our district and so many who received those slips, is dedicated to and passionate about his work. His enthusiasm for teaching inspires the kids in his classroom to stretch themselves, knowing he is right there supporting them along the way.

Teachers like this are the lynchpin of a good educational system, but they are being put in jeopardy by our governor who persists in showing such disdain for the children in public schools and the educational professionals who serve them. Despite increasing pressure from the public and Democratic officials in Sacramento, Schwarzenegger still sees our schools as a major solution to his $16 billion fiscal crisis.