Governor's budget increases investment in CA education by $7.8 billion; Still short of pre-recession funding
Education Investments for LCFF, Common Core and Deferrals
SACRAMENTO, Calif., (January 9, 2015) – The California School Boards Association (CSBA) is pleased by today’s news that Governor Brown’s proposed budget invests an additional $7.8 billion in California’s K-14 schools in the current and following fiscal year, but the fact remains that we are still working towards full restoration of pre-recession funding levels.
“CSBA appreciates the Governor’s leadership and commitment to education and local control, particularly the investments for the implementation of the Local Control Funding Formula and Common Core State Standards,” said Jesús M. Holguín, CSBA President and board member in the Moreno Valley Unified School District. “While the $7.8 billion increased investment in education is positive news, California is 46th in the nation in per-student state spending and 30 percent below the national average. We will need a sustained investment in California’s education system to advance the education and well-being of our students and schools.”
The budget proposes a third-year investment of $4 billion in the LCFF, which would move districts and charter schools to 61 percent of their LCFF targets. County offices of education are fully funded in the current year. “We are pleased with the continued investment in LCFF, as this will allow school district and county leaders and board members to invest in programs to close gaps in achievement and improve outcomes for all students,” said Holguín.
Governor Brown also acknowledged concerns regarding the school district reserve cap and committed to engage in a dialogue with stakeholders in the coming months to protect the financial security and health of local school districts. “While we appreciate the Governor’s willingness to work with stakeholders on this issue, we remain resolute in our efforts to repeal the statutory limit on district reserves. The cap is fiscally irresponsible and inconsistent with the principle of subsidiarity, and it must be repealed to protect our schools’ financial security and the students we serve,” said Holguín.
CSBA is supportive of the Governor’s proposed $1.1 billion in discretionary one-time Proposition 98 funding for school districts, charter schools and county offices of education to further their investments in the implementation of Common Core. “We’re pleased with the $1.1 billion for the local implementation of the Common Core and other state standards, but are concerned about the language about these funds offsetting mandate reimbursement claims,” Holguín added.
Other key budget highlights include:
- On average, the 2015-2016 K-12 per-pupil expenditure increases by $306 over 2014-2015.
- Elimination of the remaining $900 million in outstanding K-12 deferral debt.
- $500 million Proposition 98 General Fund for Adult Education.
- $250 million in each of the next three years to support a transitional Career Technical Education Incentive Grant Program.
- $100 million in one-time Proposition 98 funding to support additional investments in internet connectivity and infrastructure.
“CSBA remains committed to working closely with the Governor and Legislature to ensure the successful implementation of the Local Control Funding Formula, advocating for funding adequacy for K-12 education, eliminating the reserve cap and working towards a continued strong state and local partnership in school construction,” Holguín said.
About CSBA
The California School Boards Association (CSBA) is the non-profit education association representing the elected officials who govern public school districts and county offices of education. With a membership of nearly 1,000 educational agencies statewide, CSBA brings together school district governing boards and county boards of education to advocate for effective policies that advance the education and well-being of the state’s more than 6 million school-age children. CSBA provides policy resources and training to members, and represents the statewide interests of public education through legal, political legislative, community and media advocacy.
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