The Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) is planning to lay off nearly 300 employees, including essential educators and mental health counselors, despite a budget exceeding $360 million and a strong financial audit rating. Critics argue that while frontline staff face cuts, spending on consultants has risen sharply without justification. They urge the new superintendent to reconsider these layoffs and explore alternatives, highlighting that other counties in similar situations have managed to preserve their crucial programs. Additionally, there are calls to maintain funding for public broadcasting, which provides low-cost, quality information to communities.
The Santa Clara County Office of Education is proposing layoffs for nearly 300 employees, impacting educators who support our most vulnerable students—despite having a positive budget and strong financial rating.
With a budget exceeding $360 million and an independent audit giving SCCOE the highest financial rating, there are alternatives to layoffs that should be explored, especially in light of increased spending on consultants.
The upcoming superintendent's arrival is a pivotal moment to pause and seek alternatives to the proposed layoffs, ensuring that students, families, and staff continue to receive vital support.
Cuts to public broadcasting are unjustified; for a mere $1.50 per resident, taxpayers support an invaluable service that ensures diverse and balanced news coverage, reaching areas lacking local media.
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