November 8th 2024.
As the Berryessa Union School District in San Jose grapples with the difficult decision of potentially closing multiple schools due to budget constraints, a group of concerned parents and their children gathered on Thursday evening to voice their opposition. The district's Budget Stabilization Committee, which was formed in 2023 to address a $6 million budget shortfall caused by declining enrollment, had recommended school consolidation as a cost-cutting measure. In response, the Board of Trustees created a School Consolidation Advisory Committee to determine which schools could be closed.
Amidst the cheers and handmade signs held by their children, the parents stood outside the BUSD administration building, demanding that the district explore alternative solutions before closing any schools. Their signs read "Save our schools" and "Berryessa unite", as they chanted in unison. The passing cars and trucks honked in support, adding to the energy of the protest.
Preetha Krishnan, a parent with one child currently in BUSD and another who recently moved on to high school, expressed her concerns about the lack of information provided by the district regarding the potential school closures. "We don't have any clear indications of what will happen to our kids if the schools are closed," she said. "How will their education be affected? We haven't been given any details."
Following the protest, the group of parents held a news conference, where they were joined by community members and local leaders to urge the district to consider other cost-cutting options instead of closing schools. Some parents were particularly troubled by the fact that the district had not considered staff reductions or salary cuts as alternatives to closing schools.
Teresa Carrillo, a parent with children attending BUSD schools, pointed out that in any organization facing financial difficulties, the first step is often to freeze raises and bonuses for employees. "If the situation does not improve, then staff reductions may be necessary," she explained. "However, in our district's case, the leadership chose to prioritize their own salaries over the education and future of our students."
Kim Ngo, another parent with a child in BUSD and whose husband served on the consolidation advisory committee, expressed her concerns regarding the process followed by the committee. "There were numerous unanswered questions and widespread confusion over how the consensus and voting process were handled," she said. "We urge the board to engage directly with the community and reconsider the criteria used for school closures."
Many parents also suggested that the district explore other options, such as selling real estate, to address the budget shortfall. Perla Rodriguez, spokesperson for BUSD, acknowledged the decline in enrollment and stated that the district had been engaging in a collaborative and inclusive process for the past two years to address the financial impact.
Rodriguez also shared that the Board of Trustees would make a decision on the School Consolidation Advisory Committee's recommendations at a meeting in December. "We understand that this is a difficult and challenging process for our entire community," she said. "School closures are a last resort, and we take them very seriously. The district remains committed to supporting the Berryessa community throughout this process."
At the end of the news conference, the organizers presented a proposed policy guide for the district to follow if they choose to close schools. The policy emphasizes a structured and transparent approach, including clear communication with parents and local homeowners, prioritizing the educational needs of students, and ensuring long-term financial sustainability.
Gayathri Pandyaram, a parent with children attending BUSD schools, expressed her concerns about the potential impact of school closures on the enrollment numbers. "We do not want to be forced to send our kids to private schools, but if you close our best schools, we will have no choice," she said. "And what will that do? It will further decline the enrollment. We urge the district to consider the consequences of their decisions on the community."
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