By Denise Jennex, Executive Director
The California Teachers Association, in conjunction with the statewide Education Coalition, was able to work with the Governor’s office and design a revised state budget plan for 2003-04 that limits education reductions and provides a responsible way to close the state’s $38 billion deficit without making further cuts to our schools.
The revised budget package cuts $1.5 billion from K-12 schools, and while that will certainly be painful, it’s more than a billion dollars less than the cuts proposed in January. The Governor listened to teachers and worked with CTA to design a budget proposal that eliminates across the board cuts, fully funds the state’s Class Size Reduction program, and protects funding for our schools of greatest need and special education.
While the proposal contains a slight decrease to the base revenue limit, which must be repaid in future years, it also gives districts increased flexibility on using reserve accounts and requires them to use those reserves to offset any revenue limit cuts. With more flexibility to use reserve funds, districts can keep cuts away from the classroom.
The Governor’s proposal reduces the number of state mandated tests for students and maintains funding for most categorical programs, especially for those programs that serve low income families or students who do not speak English fluently.
Remember that this is a proposed budget. While we hope that it is adopted, there are no guarantees. CTA, in concert with a coalition of parents, other unions, school boards, and school administrators, is working to build support for the May Revise budget. Our campaign will urge legislators to pass the budget by the constitutional deadline in mid June. CTA organized a Chapter Presidents’ meeting on June 4 to provide the latest information and a chance to lobby legislators. CTA is continuing to fight against attempts by administrators, school boards and some lawmakers to increase K-3 class sizes by ten percent. Updated information on the State budget can be seen on CTA’s website: www.cta.org.