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In comparison to the previous two years, 2007 produced very few new laws. For those who look at the enormous size of the California Education Code, it was a good year. For those who believe that school districts need a specific program or pot of funding, it was a bad year. For those who agree with both perspectives, it was a mixed bag. Most legislation with a price tag never made it out of the legislature. Most of the bills that made it to the Governor’s desk and had a price tag were never funded. Overall, education funding was flat and few new programs were added.
There were, however, some major pieces of legislation signed by the Governor that went into effect the first of the year. SB 170 (a San Diego Unified-sponsored initiative) extends a law allowing parents who work in any business or organization within the boundaries of San Diego Unified, including all district employees, to enroll their children in our schools, regardless of their home address. The district also worked with Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell to pass emergency regulations to restore eligibility for preschool for the children of military families.
Other major bills signed by the Governor include SB 490 requiring districts to eliminate trans-fat in school meals and AB 347 requiring districts to continue to provide intensive instruction for students who don’t pass the CAHSEE for up to two years after 12th grade.
Events from last year’s legislative session have been overshadowed by the recent news from Sacramento. The Governor has proposed sizable cuts in education funding for both the current year and for 2008-09. This includes a proposal to suspend Proposition 98 resulting in billions of dollars in budget cuts. These cuts would have a devastating impact on public education. As the legislature and Governor consider these proposed cuts, it will be important for them to hear from education stakeholders about the vital importance of maintaining Proposition 98.
To learn more, visit the district Government Relations website.