Dina Martin, (650) 552-5491 or Sandra Jackson, (916) 325-1550
BURLINGAME – As the state’s budget problems mount and the prospects of greater cuts facing public education grow worse, the California Teachers Association is hitting the airwaves today to remind the public that our schools are hurting and California’s future and the future of our students depends on finding a solution to the state budget crisis.
“Imagining a school without the teachers is like imagining breathing without oxygen,” begins one of the 60-second radio ads that is airing statewide. The spot goes on to say, “When an elementary school loses teachers—it means second and third grade classes go from 20 students to more than 30. When a high school lays off teachers and counselors—it means students lose access to college.”
“We cannot continue cutting funding for schools and colleges. We’ve already laid off 40,000 educators, increased class sizes, making it harder for teachers to give students the one-on-one attention they need, cut out arts programs, taking away the opportunity for many students to have a well-rounded education, increased college fees, pricing many students out of a higher education, and the list goes on. The Legislature must work with the governor to pass a balanced budget and to allow voters to decide whether to extend the taxes that are already in place,” said CTA President David A. Sanchez.
“I know just one teacher makes a huge difference in my child's life. So when California's budget crisis forces our schools to cut 40,000 educators it's more than a number. It means a dead-end for California’s children on the path to success. Our kids deserve a better solution to this state budget crisis. Our future depends on it,” the spot concludes.
A second 60-second ad focuses on the rising number of lay-off notices that were already delivered this month to 19,000 teachers, counselors and librarians around the state, including 2,550 in Sacramento area schools, 4,500 in Los Angeles, and 1,000 in San Diego.
Both ads began today and will air on over 80 radio stations around the state. The ads are also airing on Spanish and Asian-language stations.
The radio ads are on the CTA website: www.cta.org.