OP-ED: Budget Development

In response to Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed education budget for fiscal year 2023–24, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond gave the following statement:  

“To deliver on the promises made, we must address the inequities that exist and close the opportunity gap. Ongoing commitments to universal meals, universal transitional kindergarten, and expanded learning opportunities for all schools remain critical areas for securing equitable opportunities for California’s students—and still more needs to be done. 

Overall, this proposed budget does reflect an increased investment in early education, as well as some specifically targeted funds for older students and for literacy support. Considering recent and current inflation rates, the 8.13% cost of living (COLA) increase is welcome, if not overdue; however, it is offset, somewhat, by the decrease in minimum funding levels as well chronic underfunding. In short, it’s not enough. 

An increase via the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), and programs outside the LCFF such as Special Education, child nutrition, and Indian Education Centers, through a cost-of-living increase is welcome, but still insufficient to meet the high costs of providing a quality education in many districts of California, particularly in the San Francisco Bay Area. Teacher salaries are woefully inadequate and other school site staff who provide invaluable support and services earn even less. 

Funding of $250 million to continue the work of existing Literacy Coaches and Reading Specialists is a welcome acknowledgement of the need to invest more in supporting the literacy of California’s children, but also feels like a drop in the bucket. If we are to meet our students' needs, we must think outside the box of the traditional school day. Considering that, in SFUSD for example, many Literacy Coaches have been reassigned to cover classroom teacher shortages, how can we utilize our out of school time programs to provide additional academic support to students? 

Public school facilities took a $100 million dollar hit, while the Charter School Facilities Grant Program got a $30 million dollar increase. Given the rhetoric about equity, one wonders about the logic behind these decisions. Here in San Francisco, we know all too well the problems that can arise in our aging school buildings. Not to mention that our schools are STILL not all equipped with appropriate safety locks and working intercom systems. It is high time that we address these issues. 

In San Francisco, and across the state, there are not enough educators to fill open positions. The inability to provide adequate educational opportunities to all students, regardless of their needs, undermines the principles of equality and justice that are the bedrock of a democratic society. Without a concerted effort to attract and retain qualified educators, particularly those with specialized credentials, the state of California risks leaving a generation of students behind and jeopardizing the future of its democracy. It is essential that policymakers prioritize the recruitment and support of highly qualified educators to ensure that all students have access to the education they need to succeed. 

Michelle D. Jacques 

Director of Policy and Learning 

Here is the budget development timeline that you might be interested to know: