Together, we can achieve Full and Fair Funding — if we keep the pressure on

Last month, I had the great pleasure of addressing thousands of education advocates from across California, including board members, teachers, superintendents, parents and classified staff, at the Day of Action Rally for Education on May 22 at the State Capitol. It was an exciting day […]

California schools facilities needs make case for proposed bond measure

In a June 17 EdSource webinar, Building for the future: Funding school renovation & construction, a panel of school facilities experts discussed a proposed school bond measure making its way through the Legislature. Assembly Bill 48 (O’Donnell-D, Long Beach), the Kindergarten-Community Colleges Public Education Facilities […]

CalPERS releases updated 2019–20 contribution rate and projections

With Gov. Gavin Newsom soon to act on 2019–20 state budget legislation that includes an investment of $904 million in non-Proposition 98 money to reduce the system’s long-term liabilities, CalPERS today has released its new projected employer contribution rate for 2019–20 and projections through 2025–26. […]

Leaders dive deep into equitably expanding computer science offerings

Faced with stark data showing 61 percent of California’s high schools don’t offer any computer science courses, district and county office administrators attended a June 18 workshop aimed to help them equitably implement such classes. Ensuring access and inclusion for all students and teachers was […]

Legislative Update: Pathways to College Act, facilities bond advance (Updated 2:45 p.m.)

The Senate Education Committee this morning heard and passed with a 6-1 vote Assembly Bill 751 (O’Donnell, D-Long Beach), the CSBA co-sponsored bill which would allow local education agencies to administer an alternate assessment (i.e. SAT or ACT) in place of the Smarter Balanced test […]

California on track for middling status in annual Quality Counts report card

Education Week has released the second installment of its yearly “Quality Counts 2019: Grading the states” report cards. The project’s aim is to show which states do the best job in preparing students for successful futures in college and career. The measurements are based on […]

Budget Conference Committee approves 2019–20 budget with an increase in Proposition 98 funding and investments in PERS/STRS

On Sunday, the Legislative Budget Conference Committee agreed upon its 2019–20 state budget, with $81.07 billion in Proposition 98 spending, matching the Governor’s May Revision proposal with an amount exceeding the minimum guarantee. Overall, the committee’s recommended budget is strong for public education with investments […]