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Rumors or Facts?

I heard two bombshells on Friday, 2/15/2008, which made me concerned for the education of our children here in the Northwest and I was hoping that I could get some answers from others on the board.

First, I heard that Rosedale layed off about 30 teachers and that they will be doing away with reduced class sizes.  Apparently they are $2.5 million in the hole with their reserves with the state.   Does anyone know when or if this is happening?

Second, I heard that about a dozen Kern County Schools, including Fruitvale, Norris and Beardsley are on the State Watch list for financial reserves issues and that they are close to being taken over by the state within the next few years unless they can build their reserves back up.  Apparently being taken over by the State is the last thing you want to happen to your school.  Class sizes are increased, employees are reduced down to a skeleton crew, buses no longer run.  Is this true?

HELP!!!   This is overwhelming since most parents I know moved to the Northwest because of our top schools.  We paid more for our houses to be in good districts and the information that our schools are having financial problem now, even before the state budget cuts, is all brand new to me.