With the largest state education budget cuts in history looming, CRES is hoping for a banner year at OKC Corral, one of the school's largest fundraisers co-sponsored by the PTA, Kiwanis and Optimist clubs of Rancho Murieta. OKC Corral provides thousands of dollars in support for our local elementary school and youth programs in our community. Simply put, without your support in the form of cash sponsorships and auction item donations, dozens of valuable programs at Cosumnes River Elementary may cease to exists in light of the state’s largest budget cuts in history. Consider these facts:
* The Governor has proposed slashing education budgets statewide by 10% -- the largest dollar cuts to schools in the history of California. In hard numbers, these reductions would result in a $25 million shortfall in the 2008/2009 and 2009/2010 school years for our school district alone.
* The Elk Grove Unified School District (EGUSD) has stated that these cuts will affect every child in every classroom at every California public school. Case in point, conservative estimates point to a decrease in per-pupil funding by more than $800, a reduction of more than $24,000 per classroom, and potential class size increases as much as 35% . We’ve all witnessed first-hand the positive impact of small class sizes on children’s ability to learn – are we really ready to give that up?
* As a result, programs such as PE, science, library, music, art, PE, summer school, library services, and instructional support – including staff positions – would either be greatly reduced or eliminated. All monies would have to be directed toward the core school curriculum, which are expected to fall well short of basic needs.
EGUSD Superintendent Steven M. Ladd, Ed.D stated in a recent press conference that the District is still recuperating from the cuts we made between 2002-2004 due to state budget woes at that time. Fortunately for Cosumnes River Elementary (CRES), the PTA, Rancho Murieta Kiwanis and Optimists Clubs – OKC Corral’s organizational sponsors – stepped in with funding to continue essential programs and purchase needed teaching resources back then. In fact, monies raised from OKC Corral have provided the lionshare of support for many classroom supplies, educational assemblies, computers, music and art materials, enrichment programs, and even anchor programs such as PE, science and the library for several years as annual state budget reductions have become the norm.
But today’s situation is anything but “normal.” “Without financial support from OKC Corral’s sponsors, CRES could lose these programs, many of which are the building blocks of a solid education,” said Chelle Kaiser, current CRES PTA president. “We’re not talking about just the “nice-to-haves,” but basic educational tools and programs that will be eliminated if funds aren’t available to fill the budget shortfall.”
Which is why OKC Corral needs community support now, more than, in the form of sponsorships and auction item donations to ensure a successful fundraiser. “We realize that the current economic situation is taking a toll on everyone, but we can bounce back with the knowledge that better times will come. But our children have only one chance to make the most of their educational experience….we need to contribute what we can to make sure our kids have the tools they need to learn and become, not only productive members of society, but out future leaders,” said Louise Gumbinger, a long-time OKC Corral Committee member.
Typically generating tens of thousands of dollars annually, OKC Corral relies on cash sponsors and proceeds from the live and silent auctions to create a war chest for CRES as well as community programs and events (see sidebar). With sponsorships down significantly from last year’s numbers, the committee is urging business owners, families and concerned citizens to step up with a donation, large or small. To help, interested persons can contact Louise Gumbinger at 354-9704 or okccorral@gmail.com [1] to arrange a cash contribution or auction item donation. Complete details and sponsor/donor forms are also located at www.okccorral.org [2]