To add to what Cranky Teacher says, it is ironic that public school teachers do not get credit for all the innovations to keep things going but instead are attacked as somehow failing the kids. We do a poor job of getting the message out, and Districts are loath to do it, because they must negotiate with unions.

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Staff worked tirelessly to integrate cross-curricular projects and essays as well as integrating CAHSEE prep into all classes.

Hit an API above 600 for the first time at an East Oakland high school.

“Every time administrations threaten to take things away from you parents, you step up and do it yourself. Then they don’t have to. They will never fund your library again because you filled that void for them. If that money comes back, it will go somewhere else.””

I don’t want to post this under my name for fear of seeming to boast, but I put 10% of my gross salary each year back into programs that everybody and their mother says are “essential” “transformative” “life-saving” etc.

With the latest cutbacks, I now have to create a nonprofit, get a board and go on a national fundraising drive — in what time? With what energy? The more successful I am, the closer to burnout I get!

I know you are not trying to sugarcoat things, Katy, but I sure bet that’s how it will come across to many listeners — “See, these schools don’t need more money!”

I am reminded of Jean Quan’s effort to find 2000 mentors for Oakland children. A noble effort, but in no way a replacement for systematic social services and education.

Volunteerism is a huge boon to my programs, but in no way can it pay for essential supplies, rentals, fees, equipment, field trips, summer camps, internships, etc.

And to be clear: I have seen ZERO ZERO ZERO increase in parent/community involvement/support of our school since the crash. If anything, our parents are now more depressed or scrambling to work two crap jobs and have less time to worry about their kids’ education/school.

Our PTA funds an awful lot. I don’t have it in front of me, but I believe the PTA pays for the computer teacher, the ORFF music program, PE and a lot more. Its hardly unusual and this has been going on for years….long before this recession. Schools were starved in times of plenty and not just from one cause like Prop 13 (property tax revenue exceeded wildest dreams in the 90s and 2000 and school budgets, actual sire budgets, got leaner). And certainly not because the teachers are too expensive.

A very wise and experienced teacher of 25+ years once told me, ” Every time administrations threaten to take things away from you parents, you step up and do it yourself. Then they don’t have to. They will never fund your library again because you filled that void for them. If that money comes back, it will go somewhere else.” I can only hope she’s wrong.