Oxnard Board OKs $130,000 for School Staffs

Oxnard school officials approved a onetime $130,000 payment in response to a request by Oxnard elementary school principals to ease the burden on custodial, clerical and other school staff members.

The money will come from the general fund and will help allay what administrators called the misery caused by three years of budget cuts.

“We are seeing frustration levels go through the roof because the burden these employees are taking on is just too great,” said Assistant Supt. Sandra Herrera.

“If they can have a little breather, a little relief, they can continue to paddle. But if we don’t act now, it’s going to end up costing us in accidents and workers’ (compensation) claims,” she said.

The money was approved for five areas: administrative support, clerical support, grounds assistance, custodial help and replacement equipment.

“I see this as a Band-Aid, but I don’t see that we can deal with this any other way,” said school trustee Jack Fowler. “These are tough times.”

The school district cut more than $3 million in 1991 and continued to cut items from the budget in 1992 and 1993.

Two items included in a wish list brought before the board Wednesday night were not approved. The board voted to seek alternative funding for an additional nurse and psychologist.

At present, the district has a single nurse for 30,000 students.