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CTA suit charges governor with failing to uphold the law
On behalf of California public schools, CTA along with Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell and a group of parents is suing the governor for not complying with minimum school funding guarantees contained in Prop. 98 and state statutes.
"The complaint is meant to force the governor to honor his word, the will of the people, and to ensure California students get no less than the minimum school funding guaranteed under our constitution," said CTA Vice President David A. Sanchez at a Sacramento news conference on Aug. 9. "The governor hasn't just broken a promise, he's broken the law."
In January 2004, the governor entered into an agreement with the entire education community, pledging that if public schools gave up $2 billion to help balance the budget, the money would be restored when revenues increased. The agreement was codified into state law, Chapter 213. However, when state revenues increased, the governor declined to uphold the law.
The funding shortfall for 2005-06 is an estimated $1.3 billion, for a total loss of $3.1 billion over the two fiscal years, over and above the agreed-upon $2 billion reduction.
"That $3.1 billion would enable us to keep 100 schools open that are slated to be closed, save class size reduction in all K-3 programs and extend it to the fourth grade, provide twice as much professional development for teachers next year and double the amount of new textbooks available for our children," said O'Connell. "California will not move forward unless we invest in our schools."
"In Moreno Valley, where we are growing by more than 1,000 students each year, lack of money is a major problem," said parent Amelia Juarez, who signed the petition on behalf of her four children, as did three other sets of parents. I believe the governor should follow the law and return money to the public schools based on the law and his agreement. A promise made should be a promise kept. Our kids deserve the best."
"I want my daughter and every child in California to get the education they are entitled to," said parent Lysa Sassman of Grass Valley. "Unfortunately, the governor's broken promises are hurting our children and our schools. The children of today are the leaders of tomorrow. If we don't prepare them for that job, who will?"
Dale Martin
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