California’s Budget Seeks to Close Achievement Gaps

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Governor Jerry Brown recently released a funding plan for the state’s K-12 educational system that would increase funding throughout the state.

The state provides compulsory instruction and support services to approximately six million students, grades K-12 in more than 10,000 schools, according to the recent report.

The budget includes an increase in funding as a result of certain propositions passed by voters. The budget includes Proposition 98 funding of $56.2 billion for 2013-14, an increase of $2.7 billion over revised funding levels for the 2012-13 year, according to the report. The budget also proposes investments for 2013-14 that will significantly reduce late payments to schools and target substantial additional funding to schools and students in most need of the resources.

“The budget cuts made in the last two years and the passage of Proposition 30 make it possible to both live within our means and to increase funding for education,” said Brown in a statement.

Although the help is always welcomed, some think the new budget will leave out suburban school districts as it looks to help districts in more rural and urban areas first.

Brown’s new formula would give districts more money based on their share of low-income students, English learners and also the number of foster children in the district, some argue this would leave less money for the general education fund and would not distribute funds fairly.

Details of the 2013-2014 California budget state, “While K-12 school districts across the state will benefit from the increased funding — through a new school funding formula — school districts serving those students who have the greatest challenges will receive more generous increases — so that all students in California have the opportunity to succeed.”

Among those receiving funding is the higher education sector. The budget increases state funding for UC and CSU’s by an additional $250 million. The budget states, “It proposes a multi-year stable funding plan to strengthen our higher education system, ensure affordability and reduce student indebtedness.”

In order to address the needs for the higher education sector, the state recognized the trend of higher costs for students to attend a college or university and that this has greatly affected the middle class. As a solution, the budget states, “By shortening the time it takes a student to successfully complete a degree and calling on UC and CSU to deploy their instructional resources more effectively, the system can be made more affordable — both for students and the state.”

While some see some gaps in the budget in terms of education, others have responded seemingly enthused, including the Education Trust—West, an organization that works for the high achievement of all students at all levels.

“Governor Brown’s proposal would correct deep funding inequities between rich and poor districts that we have documented in our research. It would simplify our complex, opaque and antiquated system of funding our schools,” according to a statement made by Education Trust—West. “Most importantly, by providing additional dollars for low-income students and English learners, it acknowledges the basic fact that students who enter school with additional needs require additional resources in order to close opportunity and achievement gaps.”

The organization said they are “ready and willing to work the governor and other advocates to ensure funding fairness for the sake of California’s students.”