Even though more than a million signatures had been gathered in the effort to qualify the Improving Classroom Education Act for the November ballot, CTA's Board of Directors, in agreement with coalition partner Rob Reiner, has decided not to press forward.
"The decision not to submit the initiative is the result of a realistic assessment of the complicated nature of the November ballot," says CTA President Barbara E. Kerr.
Since CTA began the initiative drive a year ago, nearly a dozen substantive initiatives have emerged. "That's created a confusing ballot that would make our job and even the most attentive voter's job more difficult," says Kerr. Including the ICEA, there would have been at least five competing initiatives to raise revenues for dedicated purposes. "That was not the situation when we started this campaign."
In addition, she says, "The complex nature and number of issues on the November ballot significantly raised the cost of running this initiative campaign effectively."
The volunteer efforts of teachers and school supporters made it an especially difficult decision for CTA to make. "It is clear that California public schools need more resources, and we know that a majority of California voters support providing more money to our classrooms, even if it takes a tax increase. CTA and our coalition partner Rob Reiner remain committed to the goals of this initiative and will continue to push for quality education and preschool for all students."
Over the past two years, public school funding has been cut by more than $4 billion, leading to layoffs, the return to larger class sizes in some localities and cuts in vital programs around the state. "Our kids deserve better," says Kerr.
"The governor has recently indicated that he recognizes the need to raise taxes to resolve the current budget crisis," she adds. "CTA is committed to working with the governor and the Legislature to ensure that the public schools receive a fair share of any new revenue."
CTA will now focus more resources on other top priorities, including the effort to bring back the joy of teaching and learning. "The current testing and accountability system is taking a toll on our students, our teachers and our schools," says Kerr. "A one-size-fits-all approach to learning runs counter to the goal of a quality education for all students."