Here are quotes from the most vulnerable and the most impacted by VUSD's decisions: students, with each quote being from a different student.

“The teachers and the staff that they’re cutting are the ones directly working with us, and they should be the ones that get the benefits.”

“I feel really bad for them, you know, I feel sad that they were in a staple job and just so easily booted out of their job.”

“It’s disheartening that they’re cutting these things that could help kids find their futures.”

“It makes me sad, because these teachers help out a lot with student life, and they really do care about their students and their education.”

“It’s unfair, because we’re all people in the end, people that have families to support.”

“I grew up in a horrible household that was poor and whatnot, and seeing many other students in just very horrible conditions, especially since they can’t get all the help, all the nutrition from the food they eat, and any other special services that they need, it really does suck, and I’ve been in that situation.”

“My mom is a para-educator, I know a lot of staff who have lost their jobs or moved to a different site because of the cuts, and I feel like, even though yes, we live in California, these budget cuts really aren’t the best for all of us.”  

“Students shouldn’t be having to think about their teachers when it comes to the level of education that they can get. The objective of the district should be to give students the best education possible.”

“I think it’s really sad how the district is managing their budget. They are taking away crucial parts of the education system that are quite literally the only way for some students to learn.”

“I’m both disappointed in the district’s mismanagement of the situation and disgusted by the obvious signs of greed that the district tries their hardest to deny the existence of. It’s shocking to me that the district would rather damage the future generation’s education than make cuts to the top members’ egregiously high income.” 

“Students will not get enough education from these programs getting cut… I think, right now, I feel fine, but I feel like later on, it’s really going to start affecting me.”

The last one was from a 5th grader. Even he can realize that the district's actions endanger students' education and are outright preposterous.

On April 21st, the next board meeting will take place at the district office. To show support for our teachers, staff, and students, please show up and make your voice heard if you wish. Please continue to share this petition with friends, family, and anyone else you think may be interested in signing.