Newark Teachers Respond to Red Tuesday

While school districts make painful cuts in staff and services for students, teachers around California continue to monitor budget talks in Sacramento.

joined colleagues in the Bay Area for Red Tuesday, a major push to convince Sacramento lawmakers to move forward on a special June election that would take up Gov. Jerry Brown’s tax extension proposal.

Even though Newark teachers did not join Tuesday's demonstrations, Newark Teachers Association President Chris Baugh says his constituents agree.

“We urge our lawmakers in Sacramento to allow the voters to decide this issue and not let partisan bickering further hurt public education,” Baugh said in an email message to Newark Patch. “Public education has lost nearly $20 billion in four short years, and the governor's budget proposal, while not perfect, does finally put a stop to cuts for education.  Without these tax extensions, average school districts could lose $350 per student, which would be absolutely devastating.  For the sake of the future of California students, put this on the ballot, and let the popular will determine the outcome.”