The Governor’s proposed budget unveiled in January has sent waves of concern and outrage throughout the education community.

THE PROPOSED BUDGET
For the second time in four years, Governor Schwarzenegger is proposing the suspension of Proposition 98, the voter-approved funding protection for K-14 education. He includes most aspects of education funding in his proposed 10% across-the-board cuts. This is a 10% reduction from the expected 2008-09 state funding for Class Size Reduction and other categorical programs, and for the state contribution to revenue limits, the basic per-pupil funding of school districts.

According to Jean Ross of the California Budget Project, this averages to cutting approximately $787 per Average Daily Attendance (ADA) statewide. While in many instances items that are termed “cuts” are actually only reductions in expected funding growth, in this budget actual funding per student is reduced for 2008-09 from this year’s levels by over 2%.

THE REACTION
Reaction was quick and vehement. State PTA issued an immediate Legislation Alert (see the Fourth District PTA website for its contents), the focus of the State PTA Legislation Conference shifted to funding concerns, and the message we brought to our legislators as part of that conference focused on the need for reliable, adequate funding.

Locally, the Orange County Education Coalition has been reconstituted with Fourth District PTA as an active member. On February 6, a press conference and the first large organizational meeting and rally took place at Westminster School District. Wendy Bokota of the Fourth District “A-Team” served as our parent spokesperson. Her statement included the following:

Parents in Orange County call on the legislature and governor to deal with the budget in a way that shows that our children and our schools are a priority. Let’s keep our schools on the right track, not set them back with massive cuts. Public education is too important; we need a state budget that reflects that, and legislators who will ensure our schools get the resources they need to do the job. Our kids deserve the chance to succeed.

The Orange County Education Coalition is a local version of the California Education Coalition. Both are groups of organizations united in the cause of furthering public education. Participating groups include PTA, teacher organizations, school district administrators, school board trustees, and classified employees.

A CALL FOR YOUR ACTION
All Fourth District PTA members are urged to help deliver a message to our state elected representatives. You do not need to understand the figures and complexities of the state budget. You simply need to communicate your priorities as a citizen to the people elected to represent you.

A very basic statement can be very effective. For example: “Schools cannot absorb these cuts without harming my child’s education. Please find other solutions to the financial crisis.” To find your legislator contact information, go to www.assembly.ca.gov , click on “Find My District” in the left-hand column, and enter your address. The names and contact information for your assemblymember and senator will appear. Write a note or email, call or fax. Do it today.