CATS’ budget decrease next year impacts Mr. Angel’s job as technician

By Carlos P. and Julian E.

CATS is facing a budget decrease for the next school year and this means things are going to change. One of those changes will be that CATS will no longer have a technician/IT person, which is currently Mr. Angel Canlas’ job.

Principal Sean Gosselin said “It depends on the average students that are expected for next year,” referring to the decreased budget, something that he can’t control because it’s based on the average of students attending next year. This projection can change because it’s just an average, he said. It could be more students attending or fewer students attending.

This decrease is not by a couple or a hundred dollars, said Mr. Gosselin. This decrease is in the millions.

The budget cut will greatly impact Mr. Angel.

“I feel sad though because I already had a system working for me and for the students,” said Mr. Angel, who is in charge of all the technological problems at the school, from replacement of computers or chargers to Wifi issues or computer issues. “I mean, everything is working inventory-wise, and I fixed everything as well. Technology has been getting better and better ever since I came here.”

He said he will be placed at another school, but didn’t say which school.

When asked about what the impact will be on students and staff, he said “I don’t know how will they do it. I really feel like they will struggle a little bit because there is no on-site tech.”

He explained that if there is no on-site technician, the school has to call the district, and then it can take weeks to resolve an issue.

“I really feel bad about leaving and I feel sad on how will they deal with everyday technology problems or issues that may arise in the future,” he said.

Not too long ago the LAUSD community was attacked by hackers, causing students to be unable to log in to their emails and Schoology accounts. But with the help of Mr. Angel, this problem was solved.

He said that if there’s an opportunity to come back to CATS, he would come back.

“Yeah, why not? If there is a possibility, why not right? Because I already established the relationship with the employees here, I already established with the students a relationship,” he said.

“Once a student comes, I know what’s going on,” he explained. “I know already what’s the deal with that student personally when they come in and knocking. I say I know this student and why he is here and if there is a chance they put me back, then why not.”