CTA's Action Day for Schools is intended to get out the message that ranking 40th in the nation in per pupil funding - more than $1,000 below the national average - means California cannot provide what every child deserves: a qualified teacher, adequate textbooks and supplies, and a clean, safe classroom.
CTA wants the Legislature and the governor to approve a significant increase in per pupil funding this year and make a commitment to reaching the national average.
In this case, "significant" means allocating at least 40 percent of any surplus revenues to K-12 education this year and next year. Basing this calculation on the governor's January numbers for the K-12 education budget would mean approximately $850 million each year.
Other requirements for an acceptable budget package include:
- The additional funding cannot be one-time money; it must become part of the Prop. 98 base to ensure that it is ongoing.
- School districts must be free to decide how they will spend the new money - no strings attached.
- A concrete plan to reach the national average must include guarantees for increasing funding until the national average is reached.