At a news conference following a special workshop at Fresno Unified headquarters - Superintendent Michael Hanson and Chief Financial Officer Ruth Quinto discussed how prop 30 would impact the district.
Hanson says if voters vote "no" on the ballot measure it would result in $11.5 million in additional cuts to California's 4th largest district. But if voters vote "yes" it would result in additional revenues for school programs.
"What is up for grabs on Election Day for Fresno Unified is $29 million so we have an $11.5 million gap, that would be wiped away with the $29 million and we have another $17.5 million to invest," Hanson explained.
So what would Fresno Unified do with that money? Hanson says some of the ideas tossed around at the meeting included investing in pre-kindergarten by phasing in a new plan to increase preschool attendance from 42% of students to 80%, increasing instructional support at the middle school level, and expanding music programs for all grade levels district wide.
Hanson says the board will continue to discuss their options at the next two board meetings, and it remains hopeful the governor's tax initiative will help stave off additional cuts. But as we all know, in this economy, tax measures aren't always popular with the public.
