Show CVUSD Taxpayers the Money

As Hundreds of Teachers are Preparing to be Laid Off, Some CVUSD Taxpayers are Asking Where Has Money Gone

THERMAL — You no doubt recall the 1996 film Jerry Maguire, from which the phrase, “Show me the money” has become a cultural touchstone.  Back, then it was Tom Cruise asking the question; today it’s CVUSD taxpayers.

CVUSD is the only school district in the Coachella Valley. Why?

Poor budgeting? Mismanagement of money? Incompetent Board of Education members?

Earlier this month the CVUSD  Board of Education unanimously voted to ax 322 positions at the end of the school year, as the school district attempts cut at least $52 million from the budget to address an inevitable deficit.

The number of positions cut could ultimately be fewer if trustees find other ways to make cuts.

But why are cuts even needed when other districts are making none?

Clayton Hill, assistant Superintendent of Human Resources for the Palm Springs Unified School District, told Uken Report, that, “The District has been proactive in addressing potential budgetary impacts through strategic planning and expected attrition. As a result, the District does not foresee layoffs. We continue to work collaboratively with our labor partners to ensure we provide a high-quality education to the students and families of PSUSD.”

A similar explanation was received from Desert Sands Unified School District.

At this time, DSUSD does not anticipate layoffs, Tamara Wadkins, public information officer for DSUSD, told Uken Report.

“Our district has taken a strategic, long-term approach to financial planning to ensure sustainability beyond the expiration of one-time COVID relief funding,” Wadkins said. “Rather than relying on temporary funding to hire staff, DSUSD planned for the future by aligning new positions with ongoing revenue sources wherever possible. Additionally, as student enrollment declines, we adjust staffing levels accordingly through natural attrition rather than layoffs, ensuring that we maintain fiscal stability while continuing to support our students.  Long term financial planning has allowed us to navigate these shifts proactively, keeping our district ahead of potential budget challenges. We remain committed to responsible financial management and proactive planning to navigate funding shifts without disruption to our workforce.”

Based on their comments, you can read between the lines as to what CVUS may or may not be doing.

“CVUSD is the only district in the valley laying people off.,” Coachella Valley Teachers Association, said. “They are not the only district in the state, though. Several others are in the same situation because of mismanagement of one-time funds.”

Dr. Frances Esparza, who reportedly has a distinguished financial background, has been superintendent since July 2, 2024.

When Uken Report asked her about the financial situation at CVUSD, she directed me to an opinion piece she wrote for The Desert Sun.

“Our current budget challenges stem from several factors,” she wrote in the opinion piece.” First, between 2020 and 2023, CVUSD received $199 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds to address urgent needs, such as the purchase of products to keep students and staff safe − this included maintaining a standard air quality and following social distance protocols. This also included the support for online learning, providing essential services, and mitigating learning loss. These funds supported temporary staff positions, including additional teachers, to meet unprecedented demands.”

But wait, didn’t other school districts receive similar COVID-19 relief funds?

Why dodge my questions?

You can read her entire opinion piece here: https://www.desertsun.com/story/opinion/contributors/valley-voice/2025/01/27/dr-frances-esparza-setting-the-record-straight-at-cvusd/77906433007/

Numerous efforts to reach the Riverside County Office of Education over a two-day period were futile.

There is a special school board election on March 4. Time for new blood?

Meantime, CVUSD taxpayers still demand to show them the money.