Veteran School Board Member Discusses Plans to Save District Money

KPBS | By KPBS Public Broadcasting

Published January 26, 2009 at 6:25 AM PST

California is facing a $40 billion budget deficit over the next 18 months, and major cuts may be made to school funding in an effort to close the budget gap. One San Diego Unified School District boar

Maureen Cavanaugh: As California legislators continue to wrangle over how to close a $40 billion budget shortfall, it's almost certain that state education funding will be cut. San Diego Unified, the largest school district in the county, is anticipating a $50 million cut in its budget this year. In order to make up the bulk of that expected shortfall, long-time school board member John de Beck has proposed a plan that includes shortening the school year, and having school board members work for free. De Beck says he doesn't like having to make such a proposal, but he thinks it's the best of a number of bad choices.

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Guest

John de Beck , a veteran board member for the San Diego Unified School District.