Overview
On January 10th, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger released a proposed budget for 2008-09 that would make significant cuts to all sectors of government, including a cut to public education of $400 million for this current year, and a $4.4 billion cut for 2008-09. The proposed cuts for next year would require suspending Proposition 98, a constitutional amendment approved by voters in November 1988 that guarantees a minimum funding level from the state and property taxes for K-14 public schools.
On May 14, Governor Schwarzenegger released his May Budget Revision 
, which resulted in the estimated deficit for San Diego Unified School District dropping from $80 million to $53 million. A step in the right direction, the new budget still leaves the district with a $53 million deficit that continues to make deep cuts in the categorical programs that provide resources for the highest need students and schools
Since the Governor’s May Budget Revision, the district has rescinded layoffs and restored hundreds of positions. There are still approximately 200 probationary teachers who received layoff notices who have not been recalled. Without dipping into our reserves, there are only enough funds to employ 100 teachers at this time.
On June 20, 2008, the Board of Education adopted the district 2008-09 budget. As part of their actions, the board indicated that 100 teachers could be hired if they were needed by school sites. They also passed a resolution stating that another 100 teachers could be employed if the final state budget provides at least $8 million in additional funding for the district. If this happens, many of those hired could come from the ranks of our laid off probationary teachers.
The State of California has not adopted its final 2008-09 budget. Given the downturn in our national and state economy, there continue to be concerns about our final state budget. It is important to continue to lobby state elected officials and encourage them to adequately fund our public schools.
Related Resources
SDUSD Resources
- Adopted Budgets:
2008-09 | 2007-08
| 2006-07 - Glossary of Budget Terms
- Prop 98 Primer
- California Department of Finance
- State Budget FAQs related to Education Funding
- California Legislative Analyst's Office
- California State Assembly Budget Committee
- California State Senate Budget
- 2008 Resource Cards on California Schools
Contact Information
For specific information about a school site's budget, please contact the principal or site administrator.
