SACRAMENTO - In a unanimous vote for helping California’s neediest public schools, the State Board of Education today approved a list of 488 schools of greatest need that will share $2.9 billion over seven years secured by the California Teachers Association’s Quality Education Investment Act (QEIA).
Earmarked for proven reforms such as smaller class sizes, more counselors and better training for teachers and principals, the first installment of the QEIA funding amounts to $260.7 million and will reach targeted schools in 48 counties by July 1.
“This funding is a tremendous resource for our schools and our students, many of whom are poor or English learners,” said Barbara E. Kerr, president of the 340,000-member CTA. “Now the real work begins as teachers and administrators begin to use these funds to improve student learning. This is a historic opportunity for positive changes at these disadvantaged schools.”
The first year of funding breaks down this way for various regions of the state:
- Sacramento County: 19 targeted schools will share nearly $5.9 million this year.
- The nine-county Bay Area: 78 schools to get nearly $21.7 million.
- Los Angeles County: 121 schools share $123 million.
- Riverside County: 28 schools will have $13.7 million.
- San Diego County: 20 schools to get $6.9 million.
Across California, the funding will help 309 elementary schools, 127 middle schools and 52 high schools. Funding for these targeted schools is allotted this way: $500 per K-3 pupil; $900 for each student in grades 4-8; and $1,000 per high school student.
Only schools ranked in the lowest two deciles per the state’s 2005-06 Academic Performance Index could apply for the funding under the CTA-sponsored law (SB 1133). The list of all 488 selected public schools, by county, is posted at: www.cde.ca.gov/nr/ne/yr07/yr07rel62.asp.
Read complete QEIA information.