In tough budget times, parent involvement is paramount

From what we've been told so far, the state budget is drowning in red ink and will likely be using the monies meant for public schools as a life preserver.

The showdown over the education budget will be coming to a head in the next few months, and Simi Valley will be one of countless battlegrounds.

Even with funding mandates protected by state law, school districts such as Simi Valley Unified are likely to see their revenues drop significantly when the ink finally dries on this year's budget. This week, associate superintendent Lowell Schultze predicted that the district could lose as much as $850,000 in midyear cuts alone.

In all, SVUSD receives more than 80 percent of its income from the state, so when Sacramento sneezes, Simi catches the cold.

We've heard the cries before, that California ranks near the bottom of the country in the amount of per pupil funding. We also know that the demands placed by parents upon Simi schools are tougher than most.

The school district is in for a rough time as it tries to divvy up an ever-shrinking pie. Just ask Superintendent Kathryn Scroggin, who speaks about making difficult budget decisions in an interview with Acorn reporter Eliav Appelbaum on page 28.

How quickly the winds of fortune change. Only three years ago the state was awash in cash as the real estate market soared.

Now that the tide has changed yet again it behooves the district to take a hard look at the expenditure side of the ledger.

Cadillac programs might have to be scaled back and certain corners cut. Salary expectations will have to be brought into line, and a hiring freeze must be put in place.

Parents have to do their part, too- more volunteer hours, more donations and less complaining about what they might perceive as subpar classroom programs. The year ahead will be difficult, and sacrifices will have to be made by all involved.

Local children still attend some of the best public schools in Southern California, and, luckily, Simi Valley administrators are doing their best to keep it that way.