Schools Declare 'State of Emergency' Week

Local school officials declared May 9 to 13 a "state of emergency week" because of the state budget crisis that's already slashed billions of dollars from public education.

The goal of the "Week of Action" is to convince the Legislature to approve tax extensions to prevent more cuts.

San Ramon Valley Unified School District trustees voted Tuesday to join school communities across California in the movement.

The district faces a funding gap of $10 million to $25 million, depending on the state's final budget.

California schools have taken $18 billion in cuts – that's $1,900 per student – in the past three years.

The San Ramon Valley Education Association and the local PTA chapter will team up with the school district and the California Teachers Association to observe the week of action.

But anyone who cares about public schools is invited to participate.

Teachers and parents will rally outside San Ramon Valley schools on Tuesday morning.

After school that day, teachers from across the Tri-Valley will convene at Stoneridge Mall in Pleasanton to grade papers in public – to show how hard educators work outside of the classroom, said Ann Katzburg, SRVEA vice president.

On May 11, teachers will rally again – this time at the northeast corner of Bollinger Canyon Road and Camino Ramon.

On May 13, teachers will take BART after school to meet with other demonstrators at U.N. Plaza in San Francisco.

Next week's events center around the acronym LEARN:

Monday — Focus on Legislative actities

Tuesday — Reach out the Every parent

Wednesday — Use Teacher Appreciation Day to Appreciate educators and Allies

Thursday — Promote need for Revenue

Friday — It's Not business as usual