NewsroomThe latest CSBA news, blog posts, publications, research and resources for members and the news media

Statement from California School Boards Association President Dr. Susan Heredia on Gov. Newsom's 2022-23 Budget Proposal

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (January 10, 2022) –Gov. Gavin Newsom’s 2022–23 Budget Proposal represents an unprecedented investment in K-14 schools. The Governor’s decision to fully fund the Local Control Funding Formula cost-of-living adjustment with $3.3 billion that school districts and county offices of education can use to meet the specific needs of their communities is particularly welcome as many local educational agencies are struggling to meet their budget obligations and respond to ongoing challenges created by the pandemic.  
 
The leadership of school and county trustees and superintendents has been critical to keeping schools open, supporting student health and safety, expanding access to technology, and advancing educational opportunities for students. These efforts require sufficient funding in order to meet ongoing needs and address future challenges. The Governor’s Budget Proposal is a good first step toward addressing these needs and represents the beginning of important conversations at the state level that must take into account the diverse needs of California’s locally elected boards and the students they serve. These conversations must include added flexibility for schools as they deal with the impact of COVID-19 and the continued need for relief from skyrocketing pension obligations that would allow funds to be redirected toward the classroom. 
 
To that end, one of CSBA’s top priorities is to ensure that as much of the new funding as possible is directed into base programs that benefit all LEAs so local districts and county offices of education can allocate those funds in ways that best meet the needs of their specific students and communities. For that reason, we urge the Governor and Legislature to resist the urge to funnel additional revenue into new, one-size-fits-all programs that may not make sense for all districts and instead to invest heavily in the Local Control Funding Formula base. Investing in the LCFF promotes equity and ensures the development of local strategies that better involve parents, employees, students and other stakeholders in public schools.
 
CSBA President Dr. Susan Heredia