Recent Media Coverage

The California Teachers Association applauded Bass' efforts to avoid Schwarzenegger's proposed $2.5 billion cut this year in school funding. "At least she's looking at not cutting," spokeswoman Sandra Jackson said. "I think we should look at every (revenue) avenue possible."

Santa Rosa City Schools teachers raised concerns Wednesday that the district's newly adopted strategy for improving test scores may eventually limit instructors' freedom in choosing texts and crafting lesson plans.

The Governor's proposed mid-year budget cuts will certainly be painful for California schools. Educators are having a hard time imagining just how they're going to deal with cuts so deep. Any mid-year cuts to education would be felt as early as January. School districts would likely impose a spending and hiring freeze. Teachers' salaries and their jobs would not be affected. You see, teachers like most employees are under contract through June. Most of a district's budget, anywhere from 85 to 90 percent or more is dedicated to paying people. So what's left? The governor warns schools face between $2 and $4 billion worth of cuts. United Educators of San Francisco member Lita Blanc is quoted in video.

The weeks after an election are typically quiet at the state Capitol, but not this year. Governor Schwarzenegger has called the Legislature to a special session to deal with a new budget crisis. The governor's proposed solutions include both tax increases and spending cuts -- solutions that would touch almost everyone. CTA President David A. Sanchez was interviewed regarding the newly proposed cuts to education funding.

Pittsburg teachers went public again with their labor dispute Thursday, protesting the district's unwillingness to meet their demands concerning wages, health benefits and working conditions. After demonstrating at a school board meeting last week, members of Pittsburg Education Association reconvened in front of district headquarters to reiterate their desire for a 5 percent raise.

There could be a silver lining to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's plan to slash education funding by at least $2 billion: It could boost support for Santa Clara County school districts seeking parcel taxes and bonds, campaign proponents said Wednesday. "It could help," said CTA state President David Sanchez, "if people know this is the only way to provide extra money to districts."