SAN DIEGO -- School is back in session for California's second-largest school district, and for nearly 132,000 students the new school year represents a new chapter.

"I'm just excited but nervous about who's gonna be in my class," said student Konner Stark.

Bill Kowba, SD Unified's new superintendent, spent Tuesday morning at Hoover High School. He told 10News his goals for this school year include improving math scores and boosting attendance. However, he realizes a smaller budget means his teachers will do a lot more with a lot less and in a shorter school year. Teachers will take five furlough days in each of the next two years.

"Larger classes, smaller staff, shorter school year, reduced enrichment … all that rolls together in a negative way for kids," said Kowba.

The effects are not comforting to parents of children starting their freshman year.

"I really hope they don't have any more budget cuts because this is what the kids need, especially if they want them to be able to get out of here; that's my biggest thing," said parent Isela Gonzalez.

Teachers like Juan Ulloa just hope they can stay.

"I didn't know if I was going to be back this year because they changed the schedule that we work here, and so there were fewer teachers needed," said Ulloa.

Kowba said he hopes voters approve a parcel tax in November that would bring in $60 million to the district and cost the average homeowner about $100 a year for five years.