Politics & Government
Healdsburg School Supporters Keep The Pressure On
Teachers, administrators and students converge at Healdsburg Plaza to educate the community about the proposed budge cuts to the schools.
’s teachers, administrators and students continue to educate the public on the proposed school tax cuts that they say will further decimate the ranks of teachers, delete 20 days from the school year, increase class sizes and reduce school expenditures already stressed by previous budget reductions.
Wednesday afternoon, school supporters marched to the Plaza to make their message clear. Carrying placards and providing literature, postcards to send to legislators and voter registration cards, the group is well organized.
Passers-by in cars honked to show their support as they drove past on Healdsburg Avenue.
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There were about 30 protestors by five p.m. with more joining their ranks. Two students, Simone Mocci, a freshman at and Ana Drake-Tripp who attends Healdsburg Junior High brought pizza to share before joining the ranks of protestors.
“It’s ridiculous that we balance the budget on the backs of our kids,." said teacher and wife of the Sonoma County 4th District Supervisor, Mike McGuire. "We’re already at bare bones -- the tax extensions are crucial for maintaining any semblance of programs.”
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“Cutting 20 days of school is ridiculous,” McGuire added. “We’re shortchanging our students. It’s impossible to cover all the material.”
Tomorrow, supporters will continue their weeklong vigils in the morning with a new flyer to educate the community that cutting schools also hurts the economy. Several teachers, previously laid off from their jobs, are facing foreclosure, according to some school sources.
On Friday, there will be a rally at the San Francisco Civic Center at 5 p.m. Pat Sabo, teacher will speak before the rally. Sabo is currently in Sacramento taking part in the large protests at the Capitol.
