Teachers Protest Budget Cuts, Receive Honor from the District

"You calling us up to take a picture felt awkward; many of us are objecting to not feeling appreciated," said a teacher from Farragut Elementary. "At least we feel that way." 

In a packed Council Chambers, the Board of Education proclaimed May 2 to May 6 teacher appreciation week for the Culver City Unified District's teachers. However, many chuckled as nearly 70 teachers approached the Council dais decked in 'Who's Next?' T-shirts—expressing their opposition to the 19.2 pink slips that were handed out in March in addition to a range of cuts made to the district budget in order to meet a set by Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Ali Delawalla.

"The irony is not lost on us tonight," said Board president Scott Zeidman. "We are honoring the teachers, even though we are possibly losing 19.2 teachers. But let's honor them."

Come back to Patch tomorrow for exclusive video footage of a protest that was staged outside City Hall before the board meeting. Hear from  Culver City Federation of Teachers President David Mielke and other staffers regarding the budget cuts.