CA Schools Set For $5.5B Cuts If Gov. Brown's Budget Fails

GALT (CBS13) - Emotions were running high Monday as teachers, administrators, and parents learned that California education could take another major hit.

"The potential additional cuts, so called trigger cuts that would fall disproportionately on schools if the tax initiatives fail is absolutely unsustainable," said Jill Wynns, California Scholl Boards Association. "I don't know how we could do it."

Faced with a $16 billion gap, Gov. Jerry Brown promises an automatic $5.5 billion trigger cut to K-12 education if voters don't pass his November tax initiative.

To some it's a gamble they can't afford to lose.

"We certainly want to be hopeful, but hope is not a plan or responsible in time," said Galt Joint Union Elementary Superintendent Karen Shauer." "We're running out of options.

Shauer is dependent on budget allocations to continue providing library and bus services to her rural community. Shauer doesn't believe education should hinge on whether the governor's political play is successful.

"Our worst case scenario without the passing of the initiative means four million in cuts," said Shauer. "It means no transportation, no library services, no counselors. This is dire for children.