The State of California Legislature finally passed the long deliberated governor’s proposed budget Feb. 19. The proposed budget calls for the California Department of Education to receive $8.6 billion in funding less than the previous year. This is approximately $800 less per year for each student, and California already allocates approximately $2000 less per student each year than the national average. 
    The Fremont Unified School District (FUSD) has been meeting with leaders of employee groups to soften the blows of the budget cuts. Instead of the original $25 million predicted cuts for the district, the new reduction number is $17.5 million or less.
    Currently on the superinten-dent’s prioritized budget reduction list is getting rid of all athletic funds from the district; increasing class sizes; and cutting counselors, library media techs, and certificated librarians. 
    Marta Elliot, Booster’s president, said that none of the sports that Boosters is currently supporting will be dropped as a result of budget cuts. However, if athletic cuts are implemented, coaches will no longer be paid. At this time, Boosters is planning to have a fundraiser in order to raise money for coaches’ salaries.
    The average class size is 26 students to one teacher. The budget cuts will increase this number to 28 students to one teacher. Because some classes are mandated 20:1 or fewer, other classes will have more than 34 students. 
    If library media techs and certified librarians are laid off, students will no longer be able to use the computer lab, the library, or its resources. Even if only one staff member is laid off, one employee can’t watch over the lab and the library simultaneously. Parent volunteers are not allowed to keep the library open due to state law. 
    Teachers may be able to use the library resources if they supervise their own classes. 
    "Most teachers won’t bring their classes to the library if there aren’t librarians," English teacher Sharon Jones said. 
    For more updates on the budget crisis go to www.fremont.k12.ca.us/.