CSBA CEO & Executive Director Vernon M. Billy reacts to Governor's January Budget Proposal

CSBA CEO & Executive Director Vernon M. Billy reacts to Governor's January Budget Proposal<_sc3a_dot _xmlns3a_sc="http://www.sitecore.net/sc">

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Jan. 10, 2025) - "At first glance, the Governor's 2025-26 Budget Proposal appears to refrain from making major direct program cuts to TK-12 public schools and allocates more resources toward the implementation of transitional kindergarten. It also promises to fully fund the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) as required by law. But before we offer unqualified praise, we'll need to evaluate the actual language contained in the education budget trailer bill to be released in February - especially since the budget summary contains provisions that seem to open the door for shortchanging Proposition 98 under certain conditions," said CSBA CEO & Executive Director Vernon M. Billy.

"Districts and county offices of education are pushing against financial headwinds as they strive to accelerate academic performance, particularly for struggling student groups," Billy continued. "Greater support for closing the achievement gap is required at the state level and schools can't make acceptable progress in this area without the flexibility to make decisions at the local level and a full commitment to the voter-approved education funding mandated by Prop 98."