A visit to the State Capitol

I am the President of the Scotia Union School District Board of Trustee. I am a trustee. I, along with four trustees, am entrusted with making decisions that affect more than 25 staff members and 218 students from K through 8th grades. I don't broadcast this information. I honestly enjoy serving on the Board of trustees, almost all of the time. I feel like I can make a difference. During the month of March, however, I don't really enjoy serving on the board. March is the month when we, as a board, have to decide if we will have to approve the recommendation of the Superintendent to lay staff off. This is the month in which we have to make tough decisions which truly take the lives and livelihood of individuals in our hands. Our small school district has fared much better than others have, and yet we are still hurting more than we should have to. We were unable to avoid giving "pink slips" to some teachers and programs this year. I cried when we did so last year, and I cried again this year. Last year we were able to retract those pink slips, but this year is not looking good. Close to 23,000 teachers in the state of California received "pink slips" this year. How sad is that? The consequences of this number is obvious, our children will be the ones who truly suffer in the end.
So why am I suddenly broadcasting this? Check this out:

Today was the last day of Connor's birthday trip. Before leaving Sacramento we went to the State Capitol building. We were standing in the hallway in front of the Governor's office when several members of California Teacher's Association and the Teacher's Coalition were gathering to present the Governor with a representative "pink slip" in the form of a memo asking him to please restore the funding we have lost over the last three or so years. Connor asked me what a "pink slip" was. I tried to explain simply the concept of budgeting for the school, and told him that unfortunately our own School Board had been forced to approve the issuing of "pink slips" this last week. One of the women in the group heard me and Connor talking and she approached us, saying she had heard my explanation. Connor immediately said "my mom is on the School Board." The woman asked if Connor and I would like to join with the group in delivering the "pink slip" to the Governor. We immediately said yes. Unfortunately, the Governor was booked and unable to see us, but his Press Secretary did come out and speak with the group. As is typical of many Politicians, he insisted that we had it wrong and that all was well with education funding. That is a discussion for another day. Connor presented him with the "pink slip" to give to the Governor. A Bay Area Superintendent also presented two large manila envelopes of letters written by her students to voice their concern as 20 of their teachers received "pink slips" today.
While it may or may not have any affect on what our State Government will do, Connor got to have a great experience today. He learned that he could be a part of something, big or small.
What a great experience for a 10 year old. I can only hope and pray that schools will not continue to lose funding, because all of the children deserve so much better than this!

A whole decade!!!!!!!! Connor is 10!!!!

It is official, I have been a Mother for an entire decade. Connor is 10 years old now. Don't ask where the years have gone. I do not know. I am not a day older. I swear I just had him.
We gave Connor a choice this year. Party or a trip with just Mom, Dad and Connor. He's a smart kid. He chose a trip. He then asked if we could go to New York. No, it has to be a weekend trip. How about Chicago? Again, not a weekend length trip. San Francisco? Yes!!!
We went to Pier 39. We had lots of fun...IN-N-OUT, Aquarium by the Bay, Wax Museum, 4D Sponge Bob ride, bicycle carriage ride, Hard Rock Cafe, Rain Forest Cafe, and lots of walking! Alcatraz tours were sold out. We drove to Sacramento on Sunday morning. We hit Old Sac and had some yummy Crepes. Connor and Daddy had an old fashioned Cowboy/Gunslinger picture done. We looked at lots of stores. We hit Toys-R-Us. Fun stuff! We ate at Olive Garden...again, yummy!!! At every place we ate, John told them it was Connor's birthday. 9 times he was given a happy birthday song by the staff or over a loud speaker. 9 times he turned red!
10 years has gone too fast. The trip has been fun. Priceless. I am a blessed mommy! I love my Boo so much....I can't believe 10 years have come and gone! I love you Boo!