Coalition warns schools cannot safely open this fall

SACRAMENTO – (INT) - The Education Coalition, comprised of the nine statewide K-12 education associations that work to advocate for the six million students in California’s public schools and colleges, urged California’s lawmakers to adopt a funding solution to the COVID-19-related budget crisis in the June budget.

The group said that without adequate funding, schools cannot open on time safely.

Under the Governor’s proposed budget, a 10% cut ($6.5 billion) to the Local Control Funding Formula equates to:
• Cutting $1,230 per student, or
• Cutting $21,667 per classroom, or
• Increasing class sizes by 19%, or
• Laying off more than 57,600 teachers, or
• Laying off more than 125,000 education support professionals.

The group announced Thursday that preparing each classroom, library, gym, lunchroom, and school bus for the safe return of students, teachers, and staff will require significant resources and planning. Without adequate funding, this will not be feasible, even after public health officials provide guidance and clearance, given the additional staff needed and associated increased costs, the coalition said.