School Budget Cuts

Those in attendance at the San Diego city schools board meeting April 23 should receive credit for a course in political science. Observing the board’s attempt to adopt a $600-million budget was a classic lesson in the inefficiency of a democracy. It was embarrassing to watch five mature adults flounder about in their efforts to satisfy every group appearing before them.

Three of the five had recently given the superintendent an overwhelming vote of support, but they chose to ignore his recommendations and wander aimlessly in search of agreement over a nurse or half a counselor. The leaderless wandering of the board was in sharp contrast to the professionalism shown by the superintendent, in his repeated attempts at guidance; the district legal counsel, in her efforts to sort out the confused and inane motions, and the comptroller, in his labors to keep track of the board’s continual shifting of priorities.

The heavy hand of politics was evident when, immediately after a break, a motion by Ann Armstrong not to cut a photographer was passed without discussion. The board’s guiding principle was clearly stated by board President Shirley Weber: “We did what we could to keep people satisfied.”

Unfortunately, the staff recommendation to restore $1 million in deferred maintenance was ignored because no one was there to lobby for leaking roofs. Perseverance paid off for the athletic supporters. They stayed to the end and received $100,000 at the expense of an operations manager. San Diego deserves better.

HELGA MARTIN, San Diego