How to solve IUSD's budget issues

By Omar M. Ezzeldine

Increased revenue without tax increases, reducing expenditures without cutting core programs.

1. Mobilizing state-wide initiatives to stabilize funding to schools at a level that is both consistent and appropriate. Funding for an IUSD education begins at the state level and is subject to political and legislative actions. I will immerse myself in these matters and advocate, along with others who have IUSDs interests in mind, to pressure and lobby at the state level for IUSDs fair share of education funding. What is needed is legislation that sets up a reliable system for education funding, one that is not subject to political or budgetary turmoil. I will embolden or establish if necessary initiatives that set up a consistent and dependable state-funded education. The current system of education funding is in bad need of reform and I have the knowledge of the current system as well as others that work far more effectively at protecting education funding from the inconsistencies of and unpredictable nature of California's budgetary process. I will also join and continue to organize grassroots efforts to influence our local, state and federal governments toward creating policies and legislation that provide consistent and reliable fair funding.

2. Advocating for a clear definition of a "free" education. For years, public education has been deemed a free public service to the nation's children. However every parent knows that being in school has expenses and costs. Recent legal action by advocacy organizations have challenged what most schools have seen as a necessity to meeting budgetary limitations. In response, most districts like IUSD have gone to a "donation" model. This cannot be the means of meeting the gap in education funding, especially essential programs that complete a student's educational experience. I will engage with such advocacy organizations toward a united effort to determine what constitutes an individual's right to a "free" education and ensure that IUSD and all advocacy organizations can become partners rather than adversaries in such endeavors. Such a plan would require community building that I am experienced in as well as knowledge of both the financial and legal systems of public education, both of which I have actually taught courses in.

3. Fundraising will always be a reality in any educational institution. Even the wealthiest and most expensive universities and colleges continue to fundraise in order to develop their programs. IUSD should be no exception. However we must establish consistent and reliable fundraising expectations. This will require securing long-term commitments from businesses and individuals who commit to more than just a one time donation, but long-term, consistent funding. Additionally, corporate sponsorships should be sought that will provided the funding and equipment needed for the many extra-curricular activities that span athletics and the visual/performing arts. Our city is well situated as a technology hub and therefore IUSD has access to many potential partners in the industry who can support and fund tech based solutions, simultaneously relieving the general fund and providing a reliable and predictable funding source for essential program components. In academic institutions across the country, rooms, halls, buildings, centers, and fields are named after generous contributors that range from private contributors to corporate sponsorships. IUSD is exactly the type of district that can be made attractive to such opportunities.

4. I will help develop revenue-generating educational opportunities. One of the fast-growing areas of education today is on-line learning. This technology will not only allow local students to attend to their academic needs from the comfort of their homes, it will also allowed students who live outside the district boundaries to benefit from an IUSD education. It is well known that one of the main reasons a family moves to Irvine is its great schools. It is also well known that for a variety of reasons, there are those who would like to move to Irvine for its schools, but cannot. Creating an on-line version of IUSD will provide the district with additional ADA as if those students were right here in the district and make IUSD's high quality educational opportunities available to virtually anyone in the world. Although other districts are not starting to do this, we are poised to become pioneers in this endeavor.

5. IUSD will brand itself in a capacity to market the elements of our success to others. IUSD has pioneered and perfected many concepts in education that has earned it a specific brand. It is time to exploit that brand in a way that brings revenue through the district through trainings we provide other districts and schools as well as consulting services.