Forecast Webcast available online for easy viewing
Published: February 1, 2014
CSBA’s 2014 Forecast Webcast features a preview of the new year’s economic climate, budget issues, and state and federal legislative developments likely to impact public education, introduced by CSBA President Josephine “Jo” Lucey and moderated by Executive Director & CEO Vernon M. Billy. Navigate each segment of the archived video at www.csba.org/Forecast2014 using the time stamps below.
06:15-40:00—Economic forecast: Beacon Economics founding partner Christopher Thornberg, Ph.D., reviews the economic indicators that led him to predict that “2014 looks like it will be one of the best years in quite some time.”
40:20-58:59—Budget breakdown: CSBA Assistant Executive Director for Governmental Relations Dennis Meyers summarizes Gov. Jerry Brown’s state budget proposal. Plans to pay off deferrals and create a Proposition 98 reserve to soften revenue swings are included; money for Common Core and school construction, transitional kindergarten and transportation are missing from the governor’s proposal.
59:00-1:08:38—Capitol report: Legislative Advocate Erika Hoffman joins Meyers to discuss other developments at the state Capitol and in Washington, D.C. The good news is that Congress has already passed a federal budget and appropriations bill, and that many education programs are slated for an increase in funding. The pending retirement of several members of Congress may set up a fight for control of the Senate and raise questions about the make-up of several key committees.
1:08:40-1:13:45: A preview of the state legislative session, which probably will feature fewer categorical bills; however, legislation is expected on parcel taxes, suspensions/expulsions, English learner issues and transitional kindergarten. Legislative leadership changes are also coming.
1:13:46—Panel discussion: The webcast continues with a panel discussion of key questions about the Local Control Funding Formula.
1:18:15-1:22:55: After 40 years of being conditioned to react to state directives, boards must now learn to make most decisions locally. School Services of California CEO Ron Bennett commends CSBA for being “out in front” on revising board training for the new era.
1:22:58-1:54:52: Panelists address several pertinent questions about the new funding formula:
- What challenges lie ahead for LCFF funding, both in the short and long term?
- What are the implications of LCFF for collective bargaining?
- How might school district-county office of education relations change, given COEs’ oversight role in LCFF?
- What does the state expect from boards and county offices over the next six months?
- How restrictive (or flexible) might the emergency LCFF regulations adopted by the State Board of Education be?