Schools ask public what to cut

Two Internet surveys are up and ready to take input on spending priorities and cuts at Modesto City Schools.

One is for the public and one is for district employees. Both ask which programs or positions should or shouldn't be cut from next year's budget. Results from both will help guide the board of education as trustees consider how to ax $25 million in spending.

The public survey is in English, with a Spanish version coming soon. Parents, students and community members are encouraged to fill out one. They can be accessed from the district's Web site, mcs.monet. k12.ca.us.

People can also print copies to fill out and return to schools.

Schools will provide hard copies and computers for those who don't have access to computers or the Internet.

The survey asks responders to rank items such as small class sizes, adult education, sports, psychologists, administrator mileage stipends and cell phones, and staff training.

People have until mid-February to complete the questionnaire.

The staff survey covers many of the same topics, but two employee unions -- teachers and classified — have sent e-mails urging members not to fill them out. Union leaders said responses could undermine their leverage when negotiating possible salary cuts with district administrators over the next several months.