Our schools cannot physically reopen safely with the funding level proposed in the Governor’s May revision.
Without more funding, vital school services will be swept away at the very moment they are needed most. The harm will be severe and lasting. Children will be hurt.
We are writing to ask you to urge California’s lawmakers to adopt a budget that meets the needs of students. We have to make sure the budget reflects how the state values the health, welfare and safety of our children.
Without adequate funding, schools cannot open on time safely.
Please tell your legislators and the Governor that our schools need more money, not less.
Background:
The Governor proposes a 10 percent cut to the Local Control Funding Formula, which is equivalent to $21,667 per classroom or $1,230 per student. The proposed Senate and Assembly budget puts off cuts and provides for major deferrals if the federal government does not provide additional funding for schools in the fall.
Deferrals are late payments by the state to school districts. They occur when the state moves payments due at the end of one budget year to the next budget year.
The legislature and the Governor must come to an agreement on the final budget by June 15th.
To reopen schools safely will require measures that cost money, including:
Physical Distancing: To keep students and staff healthy and safe, schools need changes to shrink class sizes and reduce crowding Clean spaces: Schools need a new standard of cleanliness and safety protocols with sufficient supplies. Health services: Counselors and nurses are needed to support student physical and mental health. Nutrition: As unemployment has spiked, more students than ever are reliant on school meals.
For more information, click the links below:
Click the "Take Action" button below to send a message to the Governor and your California state senators and assembly members, and help ensure that robust education funding is included in the next budget revision.
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