Long-term Sustained Funding for Schools Not Addressed in Governor’s May Revise
CSBA will continue to advocate for sustained adequate funding
WEST SACRAMENTO—The California School Boards Association (CSBA), in its initial review of the governor’s May Revision, is encouraged by the governor’s intent to direct more resources to K-12 schools. As presented today, the governor’s proposal would direct more revenue to school districts through the Proposition 98 formula with additional funds allocated to pay down deferrals and support the implementation of the Common Core State Standards. In addition to providing districts with the funds needed to support the success of the state’s neediest students, the governor’s Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) places budget decision-making authority with school board members, who are locally elected, reside in the communities they serve, and are well suited to render policy and budgetary decisions in the best interests of their students. Even though local educational agencies will see a one-time increase in revenue if the governor’s proposal is adopted for FY 2013-14, his proposal does not guarantee the full restoration of cuts and deferrals for all school districts and county offices of education.
“Most of the governor’s message today is welcome news to the K-12 educational community statewide. However, the governor’s proposal doesn’t address restoration. Restoration is critical to the future of schools and students. CSBA will continue to make our case before the governor and Legislature. Without an increase to base funding, local educational agencies will be unable to restore needed programs and services that benefit all students,” said Cindy Marks, CSBA president.
According to reports issued by CSBA last month, K-12 schools took some $20 billion in cuts and deferrals over the last five years, resulting in the reduction of programs and services to students, larger class sizes, and the layoffs of teachers and other campus staff who support instruction and school safety, including librarians, counselors and campus security. “Schools can only provide 21st century learning environments with sustained, adequate funding. Even with the one-time funding allocation noted in the governor’s May Revision, California’s per-pupil investment is among the lowest in the nation – ranking 48th out of the 50 states,” she added.
CSBA applauds the governor’s intent to provide a one-time allocation of $1 billion to support the implementation of the Common Core State Standards. “It is encouraging that the governor recognizes the enormity of the implementation of the Common Core State Standards and its projected impact on the teaching and testing of students,” she added.
The Common Core State Standards and Smarter Balanced assessment system will change the delivery of instruction, necessitate a sustained investment in professional development for teachers and other school staff, and require the acquisition of technology to advance student learning and support new authentic assessments. The California Department of Education estimates that the implementation of Common Core will cost $3.1 billion statewide. Even so, CSBA believes the proposed one-time allocation is an important initial step in ensuring the successful implementation of both Common Core and Smarter Balanced assessments. If both initiatives are to be successful, “We need a sustained investment in our schools. CSBA is committed to working with the governor and Legislature on long-term funding solutions to enable full implementation of both the Common Core State Standards and the Smarter Balanced assessment system,” Marks added.
CSBA’s 2013-14 legislative agenda is anchored on the theme Governance First. CSBA’s legislative agenda includes key educational policy issues and the association’s positions on current legislation that support local governance and the critical role of school board members in rendering and enforcing policies that ensure quality educational programs for all students.
CSBA is the non-profit education association representing the elected officials who govern public school districts and county offices of education. With a membership of nearly 1,000 educational agencies statewide, CSBA brings together school governing boards, and district and county office administrators to advocate for effective policies that advance the education and well-being of the state’s more than 6 million school-age children. Learn more at www.csba.org.