The flexibility argument supports the belief that schools are well-funded and just need to use their funds more efficiently. Elimination of categorical programs by providing "flexibility" will NOT save the state one penny. It is just a way of cutting programs that local districts don't support.
The CFT believes that categorical programs such as Class Size Reduction, adult education, occupational programs, early childhood education, professional development funds, and a host of programs directed at the needs of disadvantaged students need to be protected. Many categorical funds came out of local lack of support for programs that served the needs of working class students and with the elimination of the mandates, the old problems will return.
These programs are under fire right now in the midst of the budget deliberations. Please CALL the leadership of the Assembly and Senate IMMEDIATELY and tell them how you feel about the wholesale lifting of categorical restrictions.
Senate Pro Tem Steinberg, 916-651-4006
Senate Budget Chair Ducheny, 916-651-4040
Senate Education Budget Chair Romero, 916-651-4024
Assembly Speaker Bass, 916-319-2047
Assembly Budget Chair Evans, 916-319-2007
Assembly Education Budget Chair Carter, 916-319-2062
Below are message points to use in your phone calls:
* Flexibility does not solve the problem of our under funded education system nor the proposed cuts to education. California is already 47th among states in terms of per pupil spending.
* Eliminating Class Size Reduction (CSR) is a step backwards and harms students with greatest needs
* Eliminating Adult Education or occupational programs is an attack on the work training programs that are desperately needed right now
* Cutting professional development in an era of accountability and demand for high quality teachers is a plan for failure
* Education must be properly funded and "monkeying around" with policy issues to solve a fiscal problem is a plan for failure.
* Reject the governor's proposal, say no to total and permanent school funding flexibility and properly fund education through fair and progressive tax increases.
Remember, two thirds of the funding for K-12 and community college classrooms comes from the state. The phone call you make is for your students, yourself, and the state's future.
Marty Hittelman
President, California Federation of Teachers.