CHULA VISTA, Calif. (KGTV) -- Parents and taxpayers in the South Bay are hoping a community group will help get more people involved to demand answers from the Sweetwater Union High School District.
The district is facing millions of dollars of debt and parents worry things are worse than they've been told. In response, a number of parents hosted a community meeting in Chula Vista to inform other community members of the budget issues.
In September of 2018, the district noticed a $30 million dollar budget shortfall. An independent audit revealed the district was borrowing money faster than it could pay back. This fiscal year alone, the district will borrow $93 million -- in addition to the $36 million they already owe. The money coming from tax payer's Mello-Roos.
In December, the district announced 300 employees and teachers would take early retirement plans to help balance the budget. Many of those teachers did not return to school after winter break.
Parents tell 10News they worry about the impact these cuts will have on their students.
The parents are demanding transparency from the district officials. They want more community oversight and a committee to oversee Mello-Roos borrowing. They also want more parents to email school board members demanding answers.
10News reached out to the district spokesperson and the school board regarding Tuesday's meeting but did not hear back.
