Our school district faces a $5.6 million budget gap for next year. The Davis Schools Foundation has launched its annual Dollar-a-Day Campaign to offset cutbacks in educational services and staff that DJUSD plans for 2010-11 in our schools.

Closing the budget gap means eliminating 11.9 percent of the DJUSD staff, or the equivalent of 88 full-time jobs. Remaining staff will educate the same number of children – about 8,500.

Impacts of the reductions will be felt at every grade level and at every school in the district through bigger classes, fewer course offerings, reduced secondary counseling, and a slashing of campus safety and support services.

Financing for our public schools demands a long-term solution. The Davis Board of Education is investigating the feasibility of asking voters to approve a new or replacement parcel tax to preserve programs and services currently targeted for elimination. However, a new or replacement parcel tax cannot be voted upon or take effect to benefit our students next year.

To retain a thriving school district, which benefits us all, DSF encourages us to come together and provide financial support to DJUSD now as a bridge to more durable solutions to the school funding crisis.

Gifts to the campaign are fully tax-deductible. How to give:

• Donate here by credit card.
• Drop off a check in the “Little Red Schoolhouse” donation box at any DJUSD school or at the Davis Farmers Market any Wednesday or Friday through May 1.
• Mail a check, with a donation form, to Davis Schools Foundation, P.O. Box 1154, Davis CA 95617. (Download form here.)

Time is short. Due to the district’s budget timeline, donations must be received by May 1 to rescind the “pink slip” layoff notices that have been issued. Thank you!

For more information, or call Karen Adams, DSF communications chair, at 530-220-4733.