I was amazed and appalled to see this Chico Enterprise Record story. I realize that Chico Unified is in a dire financial situation, perhaps worse than most other districts. I read a story recently that they were seriously considering asking for a state loan, which would result in a state takeover of the district. So, while I understand their situation, I'm appalled at how the district is choosing to respond.

Wednesday the board will consider a measure requiring privately owned appliances, including refrigerators, coffee pots, microwaves, toaster ovens, space heaters, cup warmers and air cleaners, among other things, be removed from all district offices, classrooms and other facilities.

The proposal calls for the district to allow individuals to have their own small or large refrigerators, microwaves, space heaters, air cleaners and dehumidifiers if the individual appliance is "energy star rated" and if the individual will agree to have the electricity cost of the device deducted from his or her paycheck.

There is also a price schedule included in the document that specifies how much will be taken out of the individual's check.

For example, a large refrigerator will cost the user $250 a year or $25 a month on a 10-month pay schedule. A small fridge is $125 annually or $12.50 a month. The costs drop with the energy consumption of the item ending with $7.50 a month for a dehumidifier.

The proposal is described as an "energy conservation" measure.

This is a crazy solution. Chico Unified has 720 staff members. Even if every one of them had a large refrigerator, that would only bring in $180,000 a year. That's not going to solve their fiscal issues. All it is doing is showing their staff how little regard the district has for them.

Times are hard enough for school district teachers and classified staff. There is no reason that the district needs to make things harder for them by removing what little comforts they have in their classroom or office. While refrigerators and microwaves are probably available in staff rooms nearby, items like heaters, dehumidifiers and air cleaners are making up for apparent lapses in the environment of their classroom or office.

Most school districts spend more than 80% of their budget on salaries and benefits. They're not going to avoid a stake takeover without addressing that portion of the budget. Now is the time that the district leadership should be talking to their employee unions about furloughs, salary reductions and freezing step and column. They need their employees' help, not their hatred.

To me this is just proof that the district administration and board are in this fiscal position for a reason other than bad luck. If their judgement is so poor that they're consider this "solution" to their financial woes, I'm sure it is as poor in other areas as well.

What's next? Asking staff to pay for paper, pencils, local phone calls, water or coffee? Chico Unified's Superintendent and Board should focus on their real financial problems and not try to balance the budget on the backs of their staff.