July 20, 2007

EDUCATION COALITION URGES LEGISLATURE TO WORK TOGETHER TO PASS A STATE BUDGET AND PROTECT PUBLIC SCHOOL FUNDING

The following is a press release issued on July 19, 2007 by the Education Coalition which California State PTA is a member. We are continuing to work with the Ed Coalition in monitoring the budget process as it moves forward in Sacramento.

"We have the opportunity to make California schools some of the best in the nation again for all children, but our schools cannot do it without adequate funding. We're calling on the Legislature to make education the funding priority that it should be," said Pam Brady, president of the California State PTA.

"Many schools and districts are preparing to begin the new school year next month. Any cuts could jeopardize class size reduction programs, student-to-teacher ratios, libraries, counselors and other important programs and services. ACSA urges the governor and lawmakers to uphold their commitment to protect the integrity of Proposition 98, and to provide full COLA and ADA growth for all K-12 programs in the state budget," said Bob Wells, executive director of the Association of California School Administrators.

"Our students and schools are making progress. Cutting education funding now would threaten the gains we have made and will cause chaos for local school districts. California teachers are counting on the Legislature and the governor to give our schools the money they are owed under state law," added David A. Sanchez, president of the California Teachers Association.

Dr. Kathy Kinley, president of the California School Boards Association said, "California schools are not backing away from their commitment to teach to the toughest academic standards in the country. The Legislature should not back away from its responsibility to give schools all the support they need."

"Californians, their legislators and all of us working on behalf of students need to paddle in the same direction. That means working collaboratively to ensure students in every legislative district in the state have the resources they need to achieve success," said Brian Lewis, executive director of the California Association of School Business Officials.

CFT President Marty Hittelman said, "Research released this past spring confirmed what we've known for years: that our schools are under-funded. Reducing funding for education undercuts the resources for educational achievement - smaller class sizes, increased professional development opportunities, adequate quantities of up-to-date learning materials including text books, and quality mentoring and support for new employees. All of these require funding. We call on the Legislature to provide the funding necessary for student achievement."

"Even the governor has come to recognize that our schools need to be able to count on stable funding to continue the progress we're making toward meeting our academic standards," said Rob Feckner, president of the California School Employees Association. "Lawmakers need to understand that funding cuts at this point in time would be very disruptive to our schools."

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