Families and staff of Berkeley Unified School District (BUSD) gathered to protest against proposed layoffs affecting the LEARNS afterschool program, particularly its nine coordinators. The district faces significant budget issues, recommending more than 180 layoffs to address an $8 million deficit. Parents expressed concerns that cuts would exacerbate enrollment challenges for working families. Amidst these hardships, after-school coordinator Kimberly Wright-Smith reflects on the program’s vital role in supporting students and families, emphasizing the importance of their work in the community and the significance of maintaining these positions for the benefit of the students.
"I understand the financial hardships that not only BUSD is in, but multiple school districts are in. They're having to make hard decisions, but I still keep my fingers crossed," said Kimberly Wright-Smith, an after-school coordinator.
"Having grown up in Berkeley, Wright-Smith said she enjoys being able to give back to her community through her role at BUSD."
"LEARNS is one of two after-school programs offered through BUSD and is open to all students, unlike its counterpart BEARS, which serves low-income families."
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