BURLINGAME - California's teachers today are encouraged by the public's strong show of support at the polls Tuesday for two initiatives that will help improve our public schools and increase student achievement. Teachers also congratulate Governor Gray Davis, calling on him to continue his fight to protect education funding during his second term as more work still needs to be done.
"Passing Proposition 47 is a tremendous victory for California's students, parents and public schools," said Wayne Johnson, president of the 335,000-member California Teachers Association. "This is a remarkable first step toward building some of the 46,000 new classrooms the state will need in the next five years to relieve overcrowding. Smaller class sizes and better schools will improve student learning."
The $13 billion state school bond initiative won with a convincing 59 percent of the vote, but Johnson said passing Prop. 47 is just the beginning. "This is the first half of the state's plan to address the critical school facility needs facing our students and schools. To make sure all kids have a safe, clean place to learn, additional resources will be needed." The governor and the Legislature have approved a second statewide bond initiative for 2004.
Johnson said students and teachers will also benefit from the success of the CTA-endorsed Proposition 49, which won by a vote of 57 to 43 percent. The initiative championed by actor Arnold Schwarzenegger will increase state grant funds for before- and after-school programs, providing tutoring, homework assistance and educational enrichment for public school students.
In the governor's race, CTA endorsed Gray Davis more than a year ago because of his commitment to public education and his promise to help our students, teachers and schools succeed. "Gov. Davis faces many challenges in his second term," Johnson said. "The teachers of California look forward to working with him to make sure our kids and schools get the resources they need and deserve, and to help improve the state's testing and accountability system."