Thousands Of Teachers Wait For Budget Battle To End

STOCKTON (CBS13) - An estimated 19,000 California teachers could be out of a job at the end of this school year, unless a tax extension ends up on the ballot and voters approve it.

One school district facing major cuts is Stockton Unified School District.

The district says it will have to cut 304 teachers to balance a $28 million shortfall.

Many other school districts are faced with the same option.

And even award-winning teachers are getting pink slips.

"Its hard not to take it personality when you get your layoff notice," said Stockton Unified teacher Brianna Clegg.  "It's disheartening and it just adds discord to our district and to our communities."

If voters get a chance to vote and they approve the tax extension,  Stockton Unified would still have to cut $17 million from their budget but administrators say it's still better than $28 million.