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Committee hears warnings of big budget losses at local elementary schools and ELL program cuts
Summary
Committee members warned of major strategic and Title I budget reductions at several elementary schools (Martinez, McCall, Tolland) and a community member urged action to defend English-language-learner (ELL) funding and positions.
Committee members warned that recent district budget shifts threaten supports at several local elementary schools and could reduce services for English-language learners.
"Martinez Elementary School… are losing just under $500,000 this next year. McCall Elementary School lost $900,000… Tolland Elementary School, lost about 1000000 dollars in total," Robin Carpenter said, describing strategic and Title I reductions that may eliminate programs and reduce small-class supports. Carpenter said such cuts would directly affect students’ access to extra support and warned the committee to plan for community support.
Fernando Guerrero later said he was "very, very concerned" about cuts to ELL programs and urged the community to organize and protest reductions that he said are eroding positions and program capacity. Committee members acknowledged the scale of the funding reductions and discussed coordinating with school and district leaders to identify supports and communication strategies for parents and staff.
The committee did not take a formal vote on funding but flagged the issue for follow-up and suggested further outreach to the district and community advocates.
