Principals needed on all campuses

Colusa parents and teachers don't want school officials cutting corners on student safety in order to save a buck.

That was the request of many who attended Tuesday's meeting of the Colusa Unified School District board, which is considering a proposal to divide the administrative duties of three schools next year among two principals.

Larry Yeghoian, Colusa Unified superintendent, said the resignation of Egling's principal Ed Conrado at the end of the school year will leave a vacancy the district may not want to fill, due to an anticipated budget deficit next year of $500,000 and a similar deficit in 2011.

Conrado is retiring after nearly 30 years of service in education.

"The state is in a very significant economic crisis," Yeghoian said. "We've been in one for some time and it's getting worse."

Yeghoian proposed the administrative duties of Burchfield Primary, Egling Middle and Colusa High schools be split next year between Burchfield principal Dave Tarr, who would oversee kindergarten through sixth-grade, and high school principal Dave McGrath, who would oversee seventh through 12th grades.

Yeghoian said a reduction in administration could generate an annual savings of up to $140,000.

The idea didn't sit well with Egling teacher Dave Armacido, who said a full-time principal is necessary because of escalating violence in school settings, including repeated attempts by students to bring weapons, drugs and explosives to school.

"Having a principal and a vice principal is important," Armacido said. "I don't know if you can put money on the safety of 400 to 500 students and grown-ups at the school."

Teacher Deanna Jarrett remembers Egling being without a principal before Conrado was seated.

"It was very difficult," Jarrett said. "If we go back to being without a leader, we will be in real trouble."

Egling parents agreed that a visible presence of a full-time principal and vice principal at the middle school was essential.

"Before we make a decision to eliminate a principal, we need to consider the vulnerability of the children," said Laura Kellerher, mother of Egling and Colusa High students.

Kellerher said she use to think being in a gang meant a "poor choice in clothes," but noted the upswing in gang activity among Colusa students as a legitimate concern for keeping a principal on school grounds.

Former school board member Donna Krause commended the board for looking at ways to save money, but said administrators are needed on site to make immediate decisions and deal with students that need direction.

The Colusa Unified board tabled the discussion on the proposal for further investigation.

"I feel that hearing what people are saying has validated what we've done in the district," said board member Cindy Steidlmayer. "It's also a testament to what Ed has accomplished. I'm glad he was here to hear the teachers say how much they appreciate the administration."

Contact Susan Meeker at 458-2121 or smeeker@tcnpress.com.