(February 28, 2003) -- After increasing ninth grade class sizes last year to reduce spending, Clark will be affected by further tightening of GUSD’s budget. With reductions to this year’s Golden State Exams, current budget cuts are limiting GSE participants’ scholarship opportunities. In addition, some of Clark’s bus routes have already been merged.

With two-thirds of Clark students relying on bus transportation, the district proposed the merging of bus routes beginning Feb. 14. Merged routes include 116 and 117 with 106, 111 and 113, which have already had fewer passengers. The number of busses had been reduced from 17 to 15, at a savings of $50,000 for the remainder of this school year, and a projected savings of $100,000 next school year, according to Coordinator of Public Information and Partnerships Vic Pallos.

Teacher Specialist Anne Reinhard said that only math and English/Language Arts Golden State Exams will be given this year. Reinhard said, “Due to budget constraints, those are the only two GSE we can offer students this year.” Supt. Jim Brown also said that there is a slight possibility that high school exit  exams could be abolished. “Fundamentally, it is wrong to require students to take the test,” said Brown.

In just three years, California’s funds went from record-high premiums to historic lows. Affected by the decline, GUSD is expected to lose $5 million in funding this school year alone. According to Chief Business and Financial Officer Steve Hodgson, an approximate loss of $170 per student next year is expected under the latest proposal released by the governor.

Brown further explained that there are no immediate plans to cut seventh period at Clark. He assured, “Clark’s seventh period and tutorial is a significant part of the program; it’s what makes Clark Clark.” Pallos said that whether that position will be re-evaluated in the future will depend on how serious the state’s financial situation becomes.

“During a fiscal crisis such as this, there are tough choices to make. Communication with the governor and legislature is critical,” Brown said. “GUSD has been prepared to take drastic measures.”

Board members recently informed concerned parents, students and the general public  about the crisis during budget briefings at GHS, HHS and CVHS. “The state legislature has not yet made decisions, and we don’t expect these to occur until May or later,” Pallos explained.

The district must send layoff notices to employees in March, notifying them that they may not have jobs next fall.

According to district officials, changes might include larger classes and fewer teacher aids and periods.

Opened in order to reduce enrollment in other Glendale schools, Clark alleviates overcrowding at other schools. Partnerships such as those with Hewlett Packard, Novell and Meridian may become more valuable, according to Pallos.

“Gov. Gray Davis has not yet agreed on state funding for this school year. When this year’s revised state budget is signed by the governor, we will know more about the budget situation,” Brown said.