The MHUSD’s financial crisis is a wake-up call for the entire community.

This editorial is the opinion of Morgan Hill Life

The Morgan Hill Unified School District finds itself in a precarious financial situation, with a projected budget deficit of $28.1 million during the next three years. As the Santa Clara County Office of Education extends the deadline for MHUSD to submit a comprehensive plan addressing this crisis, it is imperative the district administration prioritizes transparency and community engagement in its decision-making process.

The concerns raised by County Superintendent Dr. Mary Ann Dewan in her letters to the Board of Trustees President Adam Escoto underscore the severity of the situation. The district’s current path of deficit spending is unsustainable and threatens to lead to fiscal insolvency if left unchecked. While the district has proposed spending cuts of $5.5 million for the 2024-25 school year and an additional $5 million for 2025-26, these measures alone will not be sufficient to bridge the growing gap between expenditures and revenues.

As the district grapples with this financial crisis, it is crucial leaders in the administration and the board involve parents, teachers, and community members in the conversation. The potential impact of deeper cuts on students’ educational experiences cannot be overstated, and the community deserves a voice in shaping the district’s future. The district’s decision to decline an interview with this newspaper and provide only a brief email response to questions about the budget deficit falls short of the transparency needed to foster trust and collaboration with the community.

Paradise Valley Engineering Academy parent Anahita Yazdi’s concerns about the lack of open communication and the need for greater community involvement in the Budget Advisory Committee are valid. The district must take proactive steps to engage with its stakeholders, providing regular updates on the budget situation and seeking input on potential solutions. By working together, the district and the community can explore creative ways to increase revenue, such as pursuing grants and improving average daily attendance, while minimizing the impact of necessary cuts on students’ educational experiences.

Moreover, the district must act with a sense of urgency to address this crisis. Time is of the essence to solve these challenging problems. While the six-month extension granted by the county provides additional time to develop a comprehensive plan, the district cannot afford to delay action. The longer the district waits to implement meaningful changes, the more difficult it will become to achieve long-term financial stability.

Some suggested steps the district’s administration and board might wish to consider to improve its communication with the Morgan Hill community and team up with residents and businesses to better manage its budget and address the looming financial crisis include:

  • Prioritize spending: The district should focus on allocating resources to programs and initiatives that directly support student learning and well-being, while reducing or eliminating non-essential expenses.
  • Explore local revenue sources: MHUSD can actively seek out grants, partnerships with local businesses, and other innovative funding opportunities.
  • Improve average daily attendance: Since school funding is tied to attendance, the district should implement strategies to work more effectively with parents to encourage regular student attendance, thereby increasing its revenue.
  • Negotiate with employee unions: Collaborative discussions with employee unions can lead to mutually beneficial agreements that help control labor costs while maintaining competitive compensation and benefits for teachers and staff.
  • Implement energy-saving measures: Investing in energy-efficient infrastructure and practices can lead to long-term cost savings on utilities.
  • Collaborate with neighboring districts: Exploring opportunities to share resources, combine purchasing power, and eliminate duplicative services with nearby school districts can lead to cost savings.
  • Engage the community: Actively involving parents, teachers, and community members in the budgeting process can lead to innovative ideas and increased support for necessary changes.

The MHUSD’s financial crisis is a wake-up call for the entire community. It is a reminder that the success and sustainability of our public schools depend on the collective efforts of the district administration, board members, parents, teachers, and community members. By embracing transparency, engaging in open dialogue, and working together to find solutions, we can ensure that our students continue to receive the high-quality education they deserve while navigating these challenging times.

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