Earlier this year, the Governor and State Legislature received a series of 23 different studies, prepared by education experts led by Stanford University. Known as the Getting Down to Facts studies, they evaluate every facet of California's public education system, and report on where elected and school officials should focus education reform efforts. Their findings include:

·         California's school finance and governance system are fundamentally flawed - Budgeting and financing is irrational, not equitable, and unnecessarily complex

·         Year-to-year school budgets are unstable

·         California lags behind most states in school funding, and it has higher costs

·         Education is over-regulated, stifling local control to tailor to district-specific needs

·         Despite high education standards, and performance advances, California still lags behind many states in achievement

·         Money alone will not solve the problems; better accountability is needed to determine cost-effective programs and how they are delivered

·         California lacks a reliable database system to effectively track student performance; without it, it is difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of programs, curriculum and training

The Getting Down to Facts studies confirm many of the needs identified for our schools in Lamorinda and Walnut Creek:

·         More local school district control, less State-driven requirements

·         Equal and fair funding of all California school districts (which is why we have advocated heavily for equalization funding)

·         Reduce volatility in year-to-year school funding, to provide stable programs and teaching staff

·         Demand adequate funding for special education requirements (to reduce or avoid taking money from other education needs)

We need to keep a spotlight on these education reform issues, so that the information leads to change and improvement.  In October, EdSource, a non-profit education policy think tank, sponsored a high-profile conference between California business leaders, elected officials, educators and experts to start the process of figuring out how to do this.  Find out more by reading the EdSource conference highlights.

In the meantime, Sacramento is focused on how to deal with a looming budget deficit in FY 2008-9.  Nothing official, but there are rumors that someone may propose suspending the minimum education funding requirements of Proposition 98. Prop 98 funding is the foundation for public school funding.  Find out more about Prop 98.  As demonstrated in 2005 when Governor Schwarzenegger cut $4 billion from Prop 98 and other school funds, it can takes YEARS for schools to recover from these cuts which directly impact teachers and programs.

Las Trampas Creek Council of PTA is joining with San Ramon Valley, Livermore and Alameda Councils to sponsor this 28th annual trip to meet our legislators and school officials to find out what they are doing to address school reform.  We also need to send a loud message that public schools cannot afford any cuts in Proposition 98 funding.  Sign up for the Advocacy Day trip now. 

California's vitality relies on a strong and informed workforce.  We need to restore a high quality school system and stable, adequate funding to support those needs.

Wishing everyone a safe and joyous holiday season and a happy 2008!