Fallbrook School Officials Give Up Benefits To Aid Budget

FALLBROOK, Calif. -- All California schools are facing deep cuts as teachers are being laid off, classes are getting larger and programs are eliminated.

The Fallbrook Union High School District is among those being deeply affected.

Fallbrook Union High School District superintendent Robert French said, "It is really a sacrifice in everyone's part we have tried to spread this problem throughout this entire district."

The district expects to reduce its budget by $1.5 million.

In an effort to save jobs, the school board has chosen to sacrifice its own benefits.

"I think being a former teacher you have sympathy for your coworkers as well as the classified. You know some people rely upon that job and that's their main wage," said district official Bill O'Connor.

The board has given up $240 a month stipend and health insurance.

The district voted 4-1 to stop receiving the benefits, a savings of about $70,000 a year.

Despite the savings, the district is still expecting to lay off about 12 employees.

"We have fewer people. We cannot perform the same level of service. We are trying to be as far away from the classroom as possible. It was impossible to make all the cuts outside of the classroom," said O'Connor.

The district is also eliminating one director position and reducing staff work days.

Starting this November, board members will essentially be volunteers.

Some have already chosen not to receive their benefits now.