I do not believe that anyone can logically argue that we are not in a budget crisis in the Fillmore Unified School District. As I read the newspaper on a daily basis, I feel very fortunate that our school district has not experienced the magnitude of layoffs and reduction of services that many of our neighboring districts have had.
As the principal of Mountain Vista Elementary School, and more importantly, as a parent of two children who attend this school, my husband and I easily accepted the proposal for a new insurance package (our benefits will not change) and a 5 day reduction in pay for each of us. This sacrifice is small when I compare it to the possible effects that this budget crisis could have on my children’s education and the quality of education in this community if class size is raised and teachers are let go.
I am proud and feel honored to work with my classified and certificated staff members at Mountain Vista. It is unthinkable to imagine that this district may lose high quality staff members when there is a common sense solution (reducing work days) that other districts are using in this crisis.
As an administrator of a great elementary school and parent of two elementary children I encourage all stakeholders involved to do the right thing when there is a common sense solution to this problem.
Respectfully,
Chrissy Schieferle, Principal
Mountain Vista Elementary School