Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/58727
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE Our state needs more revenue AS A FORMER kindergarten teacher, I can sing all the words to "The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round" in my sleep. It's a song chil- dren learn early on and take delight in singing. Happily, the state Legislature granted a reprieve for a proposed cut in school transportation, allowing school bus wheels to continue going "round and round" at least through this school year. It's an important victory, especially for thousands of students who depend on school buses to get them to class every day. Nevertheless, I can't help thinking of the state budget as going "round and round" these days as legislators contemplate more cuts to schools. The latest program to hit the chopping block is transitional kindergarten, which the governor has now proposed to make voluntary, instead of mandatory. In 2010, aſter years of debate, the Legislature passed a law, SB 1381 by state Sen. Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto), that raises the kindergarten entry age, requiring children to reach their fiſth birth- day by Sept. 1. The bill also creates a "transi- tional kindergarten" (TK) program for children who will no longer be eligible for kindergarten under the change. Studies show TK programs may be beneficial in closing the achievement gap and reducing the number of kids who end up in special education classes or repeating grades. Unfortunately, under the current bud- get proposal, the mandated TK program will be eliminated, and along with it, the chance to prepare more children to succeed in school. It's a shame for the state to renege on these plans. Of course, we all know this comes down to the need for more state revenues. CTA con- tinues to put pressure on the Legislature to approve a budget that will provide more fund- ing to public education. The governor's pro- posed spending plan increases K-14 funding by $4.9 billion, but only if voters approve his tax initiative on the November ballot. Thankfully, California voters are showing signs they may be ready do that. They recognize the erosion to state schools and other essential public services caused by dwindling revenues and they are ready to do something about it. Unfortunately, voters may be bewildered by the choice of funding initiatives that are currently being circulated for signatures. 4 California Educator / March 2012 MANAGING EDITOR STAFF WRITER CTA WEB EDITOR CTA WEB EDITOR EDITORIAL ASSISTANT WEB ASSISTANT WEB ASSISTANT PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT SECRETARY-TREASURER Jonathan Goldman Sherry Posnick-Goodwin Karyn Ferrera Donhoff Tiffany Hasker Craig Hamilton Tami Beseda Gladdie Cabral CTA ELECTED OFFICERS Dean E. Vogel Eric C. Heins Mikki Cichocki BOARD OF DIRECTORS José Alcalá, Larry Allen, E. Toby Boyd, Donald L. Bridge, Tyrone V. Cabell, Elana Davidson, Don Dawson, Dana Dillon, David Goldberg, Jim Groth, Terri Jackson, Marty G. Meeden, George Melendez, Theresa Montaño, Mary Rose Ortega, Cynthia Peña, Bonnie Shatun, CTA President Dean E. Vogel Of three funding initiatives, only Gov. Brown's proposal will get much-needed resources to our schools, colleges and other essential services and fix the state budget deficit. That's why CTA is supporting it. Neither the Millionaire's Tax initiative nor Molly Munger's initiative works within the state budget structure to pay down the state's current wall of debt, while at the same time it provides new revenue for public education and other essential services, and guarantees that local communities receive funds to pay for the services the Legislature now requires counties to provide. Without addressing this realignment issue, the state could be looking at another $12 billion shortfall in the next 18 months. We're fortunate to be an important voice in advocating for the governor's funding initiative — but our efforts to advocate for initiatives like this one, or for candidates, trustees, or other issues that directly affect our classrooms, could be seriously curtailed if another measure, the Corporate Power Grab Initiative, is approved by voters. This insidious initiative is designed to silence the voice of labor unions and middle-class Cali- fornians. We can't let that happen. Home-to-school transportation, tran- sitional kindergarten programs, increasing funding to our schools and essential public services — these are all vital and worth fight- ing for. But can you imagine what will happen if our voice is silenced? We cannot allow it. I hope each of you takes time to think about why our voice matters, and to join us in the important work ahead. Michael Stone, Kendall Vaught, KC Walsh, Curtis Washington EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ASSOCIATE EXEC. DIRECTOR COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Carolyn Doggett Rebecca Zoglman Jonathan Goldman CONTRIBUTORS Scott Buschman, Len Feldman, Andy Griggs, Bill Guy, Stephen R. Harris III, Dina Martin, Cynthia Menzel, Mike Myslinski, Emma Rosenthal, Frank Wells EDITORIAL INFORMATION California Educator is published for the information and edification of CTA members. The editorial philosophy is governed by the policies of CTA. Articles and advertising reflect that philosophy. Letters to the editor may be sent to editor@cta.org. Publication of advertising in the California Educator does not indicate CTA approval of the product or of the companies that purchase advertising. For advertising rates and information, contact WebSolutions Media 5666 Spruce Harbor Court, Las Vegas, NV 89122 (800) 585-9322 websol@earthlink.net, websolutionsmedia.com CTA/NEA membership dues for the fiscal year, Sept. 1–Aug. 31, are $825, including a $20 voluntary contribution. 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