California: Grassroots Effort Raises $2M To Pay Teachers

California state budget cuts have resulted in layoffs for over 20,000 teachers statewide, but parents in affluent Cupertino have decided to fight the dismal situation, at least locally.

Two months ago, a group of parents started a donation drive, asking each family in the Cupertino Union School District for a sum of $375.  Families who were able to pay more were urged to sponsor those who could not afford to donate.  Local businesses were also asked to support the effort.

As of Friday, the parents had raised 2 million dollars, enough to save more than 100 K-8 teacher jobs.

“The community as a whole has united around the budget crisis,” Superintendent Phil Quon said in a prepared statement, “to help protect the quality of education in our district.”