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PRESS RELEASE
Feb. 4, 2010
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts:
Connell Lindh Californians for Improved School Funding
(800) 915-4768
media@improvedschoolfunding.com
Alison apRoberts Communications Manager, California State PTA (916) 440-1985, ext. 106 (office) (916) 261-5286 (mobile)
aaproberts@capta.org
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California
State PTA Endorses Local Control of Local Classrooms Funding Act
Million-member organization mobilizes to qualify initiative
for November ballot
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Sacramento - Feb. 4, 2010 -
The California State PTA announced that it is mobilizing
its nearly 1 million members to support Californians for Improved School
Funding's ballot initiative, the Local Control of Local Classrooms Funding Act
( www.improvedschoolfunding.com).
If qualified for the November 2010 ballot and approved by
voters, the proposed Act would lower the threshold for passage of educational
parcel taxes to 55 percent, from the current 66.6 percent - two-thirds - provided
certain requirements are met. These include advance disclosure on how funds will
be spent, annual audits, oversight by an independent citizens' committee, and
offering an exemption to senior citizens. Funds raised under the initiative
could not be taken or offset by the state in its educational funding decisions.
"Our members overwhelmingly supported a resolution to
reduce the parcel tax threshold at our 2008 convention, so we are excited to
support this crucial measure," said Jo Loss, president of the California State
PTA. "This act alone cannot solve the problem of chronic underfunding of
education throughout the state, but it would empower local communities to
support their local schools. It is an important step in the right direction
toward providing an education that prepares our children and our state for
success in a global economy."
"Having local PTAs
throughout California support the campaign is an important step towards making
the act a reality," said Delaine Eastin, former California Superintendent of Public Instruction.
"We are asking all parents, educational leaders and citizens concerned about
public education to download, sign and mail in a ballot petition, available at
the campaign website, www.improvedschoolfunding.com."
The Local Control of Local Classrooms Funding Act will
give communities an additional way of showing their support for local public
schools. By imposing strict disclosure and accountability standards, and
protecting senior citizens, the act will provide assurances to voters that
their education tax dollars will be spent on worthwhile programs, including the following: - Attracting and retaining qualified teachers;
- Keeping class sizes small;
- Supporting strong core academics like math and
science; and,
- Maintaining art, music, physical education,
athletics and student support programs.
For more information, as well as to donate to, endorse or support the
campaign, visit www.improvedschoolfunding.com.
Californians for Improved School Funding is registered with theCalifornia Fair
Political Practices Commission, ID # 1319510.
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About the California State PTA
The
California State PTA has nearly 1 million members throughout the state working
on behalf of public schools, children and families, with the motto, "every
child, one voice." The PTA is the nation's oldest, largest and highest
profile volunteer organization working to improve the education, health and
welfare of all children and youth. The PTA also advocates at national, state
and local levels for education and family issues. The PTA is nonprofit,
nonsectarian and noncommercial.
For more information about the California State
PTA, visit www.capta.org.
About Californians for Improved School Funding
Californians for Improved School Funding is an
organization of concerned citizens working to amend the California Constitution
so that special taxes for local school districts, commonly known as parcel
taxes, can be approved by a 55 percent vote of qualified electors.
The group's initiative, known as the Local Control
of Local Classrooms Funding Act, would let communities raise operating funds
for their local schools with a 55 percent "yes" vote, provided
accountability and disclosure requirements are met.
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