An application by San Diego City Schools for more than $60 million in federal (Title I) and state funds for back-to basics reforms was unanimously approved on Wednesday, January 10, by the State Board of Education. The board acted on a recommendation from the California Department of Education.

The district's plans call for using the funds for its back-to-basics literacy and mathematics reforms. Approval of the application had been held up pending resolution of a complaint filed against the district by the District Advisory Committee, a group of parents which has opposed several major elements of the back-to-basics reforms. The parents had asked the state to deny the district the use of the federal and state money for the reforms.

CDE told state board members that an ongoing investigation has found no violations of the district's use of state and federal money for the reforms. A final report from CDE is expected to be issued in February. Superintendent Alan Bersin, who testified before the state board on Wednesday, described its action as confirmation that district reforms are focused on student academic needs and are resulting in improved student achievement.