Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1234752
F O R M O N T H S , Twin Rivers United Educators (TRUE), parents and community had opposed the Twin Rivers Unified School District's possible closure of 10 schools because of a projected 1 percent bud- get deficit. At a January school board meeting, over 600 peo- ple rallied to show their overwhelming desire to keep all schools open. The board ended up voting against school closures by a 6-1 vote. "We knew the district was able to afford to keep all of our schools open," says Rebecca LeDoux, sixth grade teacher at Foothill Ranch Middle School and TRUE president. "It required a lot of involvement, months of coming to board meetings and speaking out, and thankfully, we prevailed. We did this for our students. They were the light that kept us going even when times were difficult." In the last five years, revenues of the North Sacramento area district grew by more than $82 million to a current budget of $369 million. Last year's reserves grew by almost $10 million, making the overall reserves a historic $48.8 million. "This victory means more than just protecting our schools. It means that our kids see what happens when people unify and come together to make a difference," says Sarah Cavalari, first grade teacher at Babcock Elementary, which was slated to close. "This is a lesson they can hold on to for the rest of their lives." —Gabriella Landeros TRUE Vice President Jackie Howard and President Rebecca LeDoux. True to their word, TRUE members, students, parents and community members rally to prevent school closures in Twin Rivers Unified School District at a January school board meeting. Educators, Community Take Action to Stop School Closures 39 A P R I L / M AY 2 0 2 0 A