Students are being cheated out of the opportunity for a better future by the governor's refusal to keep his promise to repay funds borrowed from public schools, warn educators and parents in a new radio ad campaign launched statewide by CTA.
"A recent report by the Coalition for College Opportunity reveals that only one in eight California students goes on to college," says CTA President Barbara E. Kerr in one radio spot. "The reason? A shortage of counselors, college prep classes and resources in our schools. It's time to tell Sacramento politicians to keep their promises and repay our schools."
Kerr says the ads underscore teachers' growing concerns that the governor's proposed state budget fails to address more than $3 billion still owed to schools for the 2004-05 and 2005-06 school years. At a time when California ranks 43rd in the nation in per-pupil funding, the governor's 2006-07 budget proposal breaks the promise he made to public schools and students.
In the spots, parents and teachers talk about investing in education as the best way to build a brighter future for children. "We need to tell Sacramento politicians this — keep your promises to our children and our schools," says one parent.
CTA Vice President David A. Sanchez delivers the same message in Spanish versions of the ads. "Las promesas que no cumplió el gobernador les roban el futuro a nuestros alumnos," he says. "The governor's false promises rob our children of their future."
The spots will air on 62 radio stations, including Spanish- and Asian-language stations, in all markets. Listen to the ads.