The Capistrano Unified School District serves approximately 51,000 students with 56 schools encompassing 195 square miles in south Orange County. CUSD currently boasts 33 schools recognized as "California Distinguished Schools" and 11 schools recognized as "National Blue Ribbon Schools."

The mission of the CUSD Foundation is to raise money by developing partnerships with businesses and the community to enhance the quality of education for every student in the Capistrano Unified School District.

Budget Cuts Implemented

Due to reduced funding levels from the state, the CUSD Board of Trustees has to cut $25 million from the 2009-10 budget, plus an additional $5.5 million in cuts for 2010-11. The Board approved the following cuts on April 13. 2009:

• Elimination of Class Size Reduction (CSR) program – Grades 1-3 classes will go up to 31.5:1.
• Increasing class size by .5 in Kindergarten and grades 4-12.
• Elimination of 9 Assistant Principals at K-5 schools and 2 across the Middle Schools.
• The majority of categorical dollars were swept up.
• 17.5 guidance counselor positions were eliminated leaving 2 at each high school (down from 3 currently).
• Reduced funding for high school sports.
• Trustees also approved CUSD’s professional management association (CUMA) offer to take 5 furlough days, for a total savings of $500,000.

Block music at the elementary level was preserved. AVID was preserved.

However, due to the May 19, 2009 Special Election outcome and continued lower than projected state revenues, school direct are anticipating that more cuts will be necessary- despite the federal stimulus dollars.

Capo Unified Lags Behind Other Orange County Districts in Student Support Donations

Neighboring school districts support their public education foundations by supplying their students with financial donations as much as 15 times what Capo Unified is able to provide. Your donations make the difference. If you believe great schools are at the core of a strong community, make a donation today!

Thank you to our newest corporate sponsors:
WLC Architects, Inc. and Barcelona Resort Apartments.

See sponsor page for more information.

Dr. Mahler’s message regarding budget meeting on June 22, 2009