[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 52 (Tuesday, April 1, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E632]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 APPLAUDING THE FUNDRAISING EFFORTS OF THE TEACHERS AND FACULTY AT THE 
    ORANGE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL OF THE ARTS, IN SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LORETTA SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 1, 2003

  Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
applaud the fundraising efforts of the teachers and faculty at the 
Orange County High School of the Arts, in Santa Ana, California.
  Like many schools across the nation, the Orange County High School of 
the Arts is facing serious budget concerns. Forecasting $600,000 in 
cuts, a number of janitors, clerical and cafeteria workers were laid 
off. School officials announced that many more teachers could be laid 
off during the school's second semester.
  In spite of these dire outlooks, teachers are leading a fund-raising 
effort that has raised $73,000 so far to prevent more layoffs and 
increases in class sizes.
  In a band called ``Will Play for Food,'' teachers are selling out 
concerts to raise money. Some have even donated back their raises.
  These teachers are going above and beyond their duties to maintain a 
high quality education at their schools. Our teachers should be using 
their energy to improve the performance of their students, instead of 
performing to keep their jobs.
  The bottom line is that we are leaving our children and our teachers 
behind. If we want to stimulate the economy and improve our country's 
future, the best investment we can make is the education of our youth.

                          ____________________