The school district could have made more budget cuts

With all of the ongoing turmoil regarding potential school closings, it's important to closely examine the numbers. Here's the data over a four-year period, covering 2003 to 2007:

1. Student population--increase of 31, or +0.14 percent

2. K-5 student population--decrease of 727, or -6.8 percent

3. Teaching staff--decrease of 3, or -0.3 percent

4. Administrative staff--increase of 12, or +18.2 percent

5. Pupil Services staff--increase of 18, or +23.7 percent

Conejo Valley Unified School District is legitimately concerned about the drop in elementary-age students enrolled in the district. However, it has substantially increased both the administrative and pupil services staff in recent years in spite of the fact that the K-5 student population is declining and the overall student population remained flat. This is a sign of fiscal mismanagement.

If the board is planning to close schools against the wishes of the community, it had better be prepared to cut staff to previous levels just a few years ago as any responsible business would.

These are the facts. But don't take my word for it. Visit the state Department of Education-affiliated website www.ed-data.k12.ca.us and see for yourself.

In addition to the recent events I have written about in previous letters, the problem with this district is the lack of transparency and accountability. In effect, CVUSD does a poor job of policing itself.

I don't have all the answers, but I do know that when the district no longer makes decisions that reflect the values of the community it is tasked to serve, it's time for a change.

Dolores Didio and Dorothy Beaubien are both up for reelection this fall after serving for several terms each. They have had their chance.

It's time for fresh faces who have the drive and determination to improve this district to be given a fair opportunity to spread their wings. Dan Goldberg Thousand Oaks