Vantage Point: We're in it for the kids!

Lisa Burlison, the administrative coordinator for CSBA’s Policy Analysis Department, ends every e-mail with the tag line “We’re in it for the kids!” As we move into 2008 and engage our communities, editorial boards, legislators and other elected leaders in courageous conversations about our schools, it will be good to remember that, indeed, we are in it for the kids.

2008 will be a year of opportunities and challenges. There seems to be agreement that the state budget projections are quite gloomy. The governor has called for cuts in state funding. Yet this does not change the fact that the funding of California’s public schools is still inadequate. We must not retreat from our campaign to increase funding. You simply cannot expect world-class results without world-class investment.

CSBA must not be sidetracked from its goal of providing education excellence to all students. Distractions such as discussions about the appropriate roles of the state Board of Education, the superintendent of public instruction and the secretary of education may prove interesting to political columnists, but they really are not about helping kids learn. As locally elected officials who see students in our schools and at board meetings, we must be willing to advocate on their behalf and keep the conversations focused on their needs.

CSBA is committed to the recruitment and retention of high-quality teachers and administrators. We will also support reforms in the accountability system that reward growth in academic achievement and recognize that some students need assessments that better reflect what they know and can do. Improved school readiness, appropriate instructional materials and more instructional time will be needed if we are serious about closing the achievement gap.

While there are steps we can take in schools to improve the conditions of children, we cannot ignore the effects of poverty on our students. Those who live in substandard housing, who move frequently and lack health care are not likely to do as well in school as students who do not face these challenges. CSBA will be working with cities and counties through the Cities, Counties and Schools Partnership on strategies to improve the future for California’s youth. Our recent—and outstanding—School Wellness Conference was one example of how we can collaborate with others to meet the needs of kids.

Moving our agenda forward

This is my last column. In closing, I want to thank all CSBA staff for their hard work and support this year. I could not have done it without their help. I wish there was room to list all the staff by name. They are remarkable!

I would like to commend the members of the Delegate Assembly and Board of Directors who have been willing to engage in difficult discussions about the future of our association and public education. While we did not accomplish all our goals for 2007, such as an improved No Child Left Behind Act, we have done much strategic planning to position CSBA for the challenges ahead. I have been privileged to work with our superb Executive Committee: President-elect Paul H. Chatman, Vice President Paula Campbell, Immediate Past President Luan B. Rivera and Executive Director Scott P. Plotkin. Paul will be a great leader for 2008. Please give him your full support.

To all the school board members who are dedicated to the students in your communities, thanks for the great honor of allowing me to be your president. I hope I have served you well. As we move our 2008 agenda forward, remember, “We’re in it for the kids!”