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I'll admit, when the economy is good, life is good and I tend to be less engaged with government. Whether it's my local city council or my school district. I pay attention...just not that much.

If there was ever a time to pay attention, now is the time. The news coming out of our local school districts is distressing at best and honestly, down-right scary. School closures, class sizes, arts, libraries, athletics and pink slips are all up for discussion.

Some recent examples:

* Salida Union is looking at closing an elementary school.

* Sylvan Union is looking at staff cuts and moving everyone to a traditional calendar.

* Modesto City Schools is looking to trim $25 million and all the same things are on the table in that district too.

Don't sit on your hands, get involved. Your district needs your input, your school needs your time and ideas and most importantly, your kids need an advocate.

Tonight, the Salida Union School District board will meet at 5 p.m.  to discuss closing a school.  The meeting will be in the Sisk Elementary cafeteria.

Sylvan Union also meets tonight at 7 p.m., at Sherwood School.

And Modesto City Schools is taking input on where cuts should be made and how they should spend their money. A survey is posted on the district's web site. Don't have a computer, don't fret, you can get a hard copy at your child's school.

Our districts are facing horrible decisions. Take some time to find out what's at stake and voice your opinion.