In a recent Glendale Unified School District (GUSD) board meeting, budgetary concerns took center stage, with discussions surrounding the future of the district’s seven-period schedule. The seventh period was originally introduced using emergency COVID relief funds to help students reintegrate after quarantine, offering increased flexibility for mental health, electives, and programs like dual-language immersion. While the program extended for a fourth year, the district now faces significant financial challenges, with the seventh period costing $5.3 million annually.
Parents, students, and teachers voiced strong support for maintaining the seven-period system, citing its positive impact on student well-being and academic choices. Students explained how the extra period allowed them to pursue passions and electives that might otherwise be sacrificed in a six-period day. Teachers highlighted the benefits for vulnerable students, including those with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), while parents urged the board to avoid cuts that would affect classrooms directly.
Despite the clear support for keeping the seventh period, GUSD’s financial struggles may force the board to make difficult decisions, including potential layoffs and program reductions. The board acknowledged the importance of maintaining educational opportunities but emphasized that budget constraints could make it challenging without identifying new funding sources. Board members expressed openness to involving the community through a proposed budget committee, which would allow all stakeholders to contribute ideas for cost-saving measures.
This summary provides a more detailed picture of the challenges facing GUSD, including budget mismanagement, difficult cuts, and the potential long-term impact on students and families.
Why GUSD made the hard decision to cut the 7th period:
- Impending Financial Insolvency: The Glendale Unified School District (GUSD) is facing a severe financial crisis, with only two years left before running out of money unless significant budgetary changes are made…
- Decision to Cut the Seventh Period: The GUSD board voted to eliminate the seventh period…
- State Fiscal Assessment Findings: In August, GUSD requested an evaluation from the Financial Crisis and Management Assessment Team (FCMAT)…
- Higher Spending on Salaries and Benefits: Despite paying teachers less than the Los Angeles County average, GUSD spends a larger percentage…
- Parents’ Concerns and Lack of Transparency: Many parents were upset by the decision to cut…
- Impact on Enrollment and Student Well-being: Parents are concerned that removing the seventh period will negatively affect…
- Staffing Reductions: The school board acknowledged that, even with the seventh-period cut, staff reductions will be necessary…
- State Takeover Fears: The decision to cut the seventh period was partly driven by fears of state intervention…
- Hope for Restoring the Seventh Period: Despite the current cuts, board members committed to restoring…
- Increased Monitoring of Enrollment and Attendance: To address the current financial issues and prevent future crises…
- Advocacy for Public Education Funding: Board members, such as Ingrid Gunnel, expressed frustration…
What could help change budgeting and funding issues:
Sacramento, California – Senate Bill 98, authored by Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D – Burbank), was signed into law by Governor Newsom…
The GUSD Board took it upon themselves to order a FCMAT Review
In August 2024, the Glendale Unified School District and the Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team (FCMAT) entered into an agreement…
Helpful Backlinks:
- The House Agent | Robbyn Battles
- Robbyn Battles Google Business Page
- Robbyn Battles on Zillow
- Senate Bill 98 Details
- Full FCMAT Report