The most shocking part of the vote was that, without warning, the Board decided to put off the specific details for servicing the debt for another time, even after having detailed discussions at the December 8 and December 12 Board meetings. This evening's vote was simply to move forward with the loan. It is not clear when or how discussion, debate, and board action will take place on servicing the debt. It seems strange to make this vote before the Budget Advisory committee meets on Wednesday and before the District starts its next round of inevitable budget cuts. Additionally, why does the District accept this debt when it still fails to meet compliance with contractual class size averages; when it has already increased Freshmen classes last September; when music students have poor instruments; when the drama program is hanging together by a thread; when GATE funding is on the chopping block; when the state expects another $28 billion of debt...etc.? I guess it is all a matter of priorities. Each member made heart-felt statements about the loan and several stressed that it is not an "us vs. them" situation. The proof will be in the pudding as we will see what will be done for other academic programs district-wide and what will be done to upgrade maintenance at GHS.
I want to thank all the certificated and classified members who expressed concern about the loan, offered alternatives, signed and/or wrote letters to Board members or the public, offered encouragement to union leadership, or personally showed up to Board meetings on their own time. This was a difficult decision for all involved. Let's hope the money comes in quickly from the state. Next up...the budget cutting process.