Important Message

CSD Superintendent Dr. Carrie Andrews, May 27, 2020

Dear Cambrian Families,

As I have shared with you since the onset of the COVID-19 crisis, the financial outlook for both the world and state economies continues to show a downward trajectory. As a result of this trajectory, the Governor has made it very clear that California’s school districts will be forced to absorb billions of dollars in reductions.

With no lifeline in sight, in order to protect our valued teachers, staff, and programs, it is critical that we find financial solutions outside of the traditional route of simply waiting for state aid.

With that in mind, the District is exploring the possibility of entering into land transactions with private real estate development companies for District property that is considered surplus. The transactions could range from leases, sale, or a combination of both.

By exploring this route, our idea is to create revenue streams that will protect our school district. If we do not explore this route, and instead wait for Sacramento to take an action that they have already signaled they are not willing to take, my concern is that the reductions we will have to make will set back our district in a manner that will likely take years to overcome. Schools were facing severe funding challenges and struggling to balance budgets prior to the COVID-19 outbreak. Those same funding challenges remain, and they are becoming more severe, not less. At a minimum, state funding must not be cut as reopening schools in the fall will be more expensive than operating schools right now. State and federal legislators must recognize that everything needed in the fall to keep students, staff and their families safe will require increased costs in the classroom, to keep schools clean, and to feed students.

The current climate has been difficult for all of us, further exasperated by the dismal economic reality COVID has created, not only for our community, but on a global scale. I have not lost hope that Sacramento will play a role in supporting California’s school districts. In that spirit, I urge you to please continue advocating to the Governor and our local state delegation. Your voice matters, and they need to hear how their decisions impact our lives.

I am attaching several links to equip you in your efforts to advocate for our District. I appreciate your help, partnering with Cambrian School District to speak up for increased funding, increased support and increased attention to this vital matter. Together, we are Cambrian.