Thousands of teachers across California, including San Diego and Imperial counties, are marching today. They're protesting against the wave of "pink slip" layoff notices sent to teachers as a result of the state budget crisis. KPBS Reporter Ana Tintocalis has more.
Teachers say its déjà vu all over again.
Last year the state's money problems also prompted a flurry of layoff notices.
But school district officials say the recession is making the situation worse this year.
In the Poway Unified School district, more than 260 teachers will get the layoff notices. Sweetwater Union High School District is notifying more than 100 teachers.
And in Calexico, another 100 are getting tentative pink slips.
Carmen Durazo is a Calexico teacher and union leader.
She says the cuts will be devastating their students, most of whom come from poor, immigrant families and are learning to speak English.
“It is just totally un acceptable,” Duranzo said. “Our governor and the people in our Legislature that are supposed to be representing us don't get it. The future of California is in the hands of our children that we are educating. And we cannot educate them without any money.”
Calexico teachers plan to march through downtown Calexico. Elsewhere, banners will be placed on freeway overpasses across San Diego County.
Ana Tintocalis, KPBS News.
