Higher than expected state revenues and significant federal funding create historic investments in education

BURLINGAME — CTA President E. Toby Boyd issued the following statement in response to Governor Newsom’s May Revise State Budget Proposal:

“After a tough pandemic year that has tested us all, we welcome Governor Newsom’s proposed May Revise Budget plan for its historic commitment to public education and the support California students need at all stages of their lives from expanding transitional kindergarten to significant investments in K-12 and higher education.

“The pandemic made clear that living in the state with the fifth largest economy in the world doesn’t mean all students in our schools and communities have the resources and services they need to succeed. We commend the Governor’s proposals for investing in academic programs as well as mental health and social and family supports, including the prioritization of establishing community schools for this coming year and beyond.

“We appreciate the proposed investments in teacher training, efforts to support educators in high-needs schools, and resources to reduce staffing ratios and hire additional teachers, nurses and counselors. Mental health, viruses like COVID and other ailments don’t pick the school or campus that is staffed with nurses or counselors. We need trained professionals in each and every school site to address the needs of students in real time. And while we expect that safe, in-person instruction will be the norm in the fall, we believe, as a matter of equity, parents must have access to a high quality, independent learning option for students with diverse and complex needs.

“We also commend the Governor for recognizing the importance of a long-term commitment to our youngest learners and to improving school readiness. Access to early childhood education and transitional kindergarten for all students is essential to giving students a strong start. In higher education, the additional investments in housing and student supports will help ensure more students can afford college.

“As classroom experts, we do recognize that some of these investments are one-time dollars and that is challenging for ongoing program supports. We look forward to reviewing these proposals and engaging with lawmakers before a final budget is adopted in mid-June.”

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The 310,000-member California Teachers Association is affiliated with the 3 million-member National Education Association.