How long will it be until your school cancels school buses?

A response to Superintendent Wheeler's letter with regard to federal impact aid.

It is hard to know when Dr. Wheeler is telling the truth. In the message mentioned Dr. Wheeler explains that $1 million equals 8 percent of the school budget this year. If this is so then the total unrestricted operating budget equals $12.5 million. She claims that 80 percent of this money is used to pay people like the teachers, staff, and administrators. 80 percent of $12.5 million is $10 million, this sound like a very high payroll, but we do have some of the best teachers available. Still that leaves 2.5 million dollars for textbooks, materials, and school buses. Maintenance and construction costs are expensive but they have restricted funds set aside for them. Then there is the special reserve fund of just over $7 million, reportedly restricted but possibly transferable.

It would be easier to believe that they didn't have the money if they were not at the same time telling us that they believe transportation to and from school is, "a parent responsibility." I am not even a college graduate but I can decipher this statement, it means that they do not want to fund school buses. They do not care that children's lives are in danger trying to get to and from school, that's not their concern and with no buses then there is less work and more money for raises. Admittedly, they feel their only concern for students is what happens during school hours.

So it is not about money, because the money is available. If this is now a "parent responsibility," why wasn't it last year? Nothing has changed from last year except money. Even the same people are on the School Board. Are responsibilities only important when you have lots of money? Can you shed responsibility simply by going broke? The answer is no. Shifting this responsibility was a plan done almost completely behind the public's back and largely during summer break. I believe there was never any intention to even try to pay for buses. So to make excuses the board spent every dollar possible to justify the proclaimed monetary shortage. They have however offered other excuses ranging from the Chula Vista school district, the governor, the economy, and the military and next they will blame the parents who are fighting to get Kids In School Safely. In the end the responsibility still lies with them.

It has been said that what matters most must never fall prey to what matters least. Clearly, a board with integrity would allocate money for the important things first, instead of trying to endanger children because it is the easier than doing what is right.

I want to sign and return my federal survey card but I feel I have no recourse except withhold it. They must be held accountable for their decision to endanger children. I ask for concerned parents to get involved with the Kids In School Safely (KISS) and use whatever influence they have to hold the Coronado Unified School Board's feet to the fire.