Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1541528
ORGANIZING TO WIN CRITICAL FUNDING FIGHT FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS " O U R E D U C A T I O N A L S O L V E N C Y is on the line with the Proposition 55 extension," says Sandra Rivera, president of Alum Rock Educators Association (AREA). "e renewal of Prop. 55 is the lifeline for public education." e past year has been especially challenging for California public schools, with threats coming from all directions: Chron- ically underfunded public education needs; attacks by extremists from outside our communities and even on our school boards; continued waste, fraud and corruption from bad faith actors in the charter school industry that siphons precious resources from neighborhood public schools; and a Trump Administration that appears determined to destroy public education. With a misguided austerity mindset permeating school boards across the state, many districts have turned to extreme and unnecessary measures, like closing schools and laying off educators — bringing further chaos to our classrooms and com- munities at a time when our students need their schools to be safe havens. Amid these ongoing attacks, an imposing deadline looms — the 2030 expiration of Proposition 55 funds for our schools, which would mean an immediate, devastating 15% cut to fund- ing for our public schools ( find out how much your district stands to lose at cta.org/Prop55Extension). While 2030 may seem like a long time away, our union is already working hard to secure that funding permanently, organizing a signature-gath- ering campaign to qualify an initiative for the November 2026 election and strategizing a ground game to ensure we win for our public schools. " We as educators came into this profession to support all students — and that has to be both inside and outside the class- room," says Alexis Weiner, Burbank Teachers Association (BTA) external organizing chair. "[Prop. 55] is one way to maintain the stability our schools need." In CTA locals throughout the state, educators are organizing to build power, creating structures to communicate, educate and take action for the resources our students need and defend- ing public education as a cornerstone of our democracy. As CTA-Berryessa (CTAB) organizes to gather signatures for the Permanent Prop. 55 extension is a lifeline for California students and communities By Julian Peeples After the district forced a school consolidation process last school year, CTA-Berryessa members are organizing to help pass a Prop. 55 extension. 20 cta.org Feature