Area schools still need funding

On Oct. 13, The Acorn ran “Area schools not in such dire straits after all.” This misleading headline gave the impression that Measure E has cured the financial ills of our school district.

Fact: Measure E reduced the financial hemorrhaging to a slow bleeding. The draconian budget cuts of 2003-04 were only partially offset by Measure E. The programs and services cut that year will not be restored until California stops balancing its budget on the backs of our schools. The 2004-05 LVUSD budget had a $257,000 deficit. So, dire straits? I think so.

Then, in a letter to the editor on Dec. 2, Alex Soteras tosses about inaccurate information like an errant Frisbee fact: The Agoura Hills City Council did not bring me to speak. I asked for, and was given, time to present a Measure E report to the council, based on a provision in the measure to annually report to our communities. The cities of Calabasas, Hidden Hills and Westlake Village received the identical report. I am not aware of “embarrassment” having anything to do with my reporting that evening.

Fact: Calabasas has not given money to the Educational Foundation, but gave directly to the school district.

Fact: The Educational Foundation has not received one penny from Alex’s Chamber for the past two years.

Fact: LVUSD provides over 12,000 students with a quality education on a shoestring budget.

That is why I am on the Las Virgenes Educational Foundation board. Why I spent almost a year promoting Measure E with Red Godfrey, Dave Moorman and many other volunteers.

And why I get upset when people write, say or promote inaccurate things for their own gain or to get a sensational headline. If I want either one, I will read the Enquirer. Stuart Selter Agoura Hills