Advocacy Archives Resources

• RTTT_Regional_Meetings_Invitation (10/27/2009)
  
• RTTT Online Briefing Invitation (10/27/2009)
  
• Finally, the Budget is Passed! (7/24/2009)
  
• Gridlock in Sacramento What Gets Paid . . . And What Doesn’t: Local Impacts of California’s Budget Crisis (7/9/2009)
  
• Budget Update: California’s Cash Flow Situation Worsens: Educators Should Be On High Alert (6/12/2009)
  
• May Revision Update: LAO Analysis (5/22/2009)
  
• Review bill text of AB 346 (Conway) as amended 6-24-2010
  
• Complaint Regarding Algebra Mandate [pdf]
  The Association of California School Administrators, California School Boards Association and CSBA's Education Legal Alliance filed a lawsuit on Sept. 4 against the State Board of Education regarding its recent decision to mandate Algebra I for all eighth graders in California.
• Budget Advisory: Release of the 2009-10 May Budget Revision (5/15/2009)
  
• Local Contract Language Could Be Critical
  Since the enactment of SB 19 (Chapter 159/2009) a few weeks ago, the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) has received several inquiries regarding the use of student test results in teacher evaluations. Can local education agencies (LEAs) now use student performance data as part of their teacher evaluation process? Like many collective bargaining and employee evaluation issues, the answer is “it depends, look at your existing contract.” In most instances, your LEA’s collective bargaining contract will stipulate what you can and cannot do relative to this matter.
• Bracing for cuts: Education budget outlook grows dimmer
  In what has become a nightmare situation, additional developments occurred this week that essentially solidify the likelihood of another round of possible mid-year reductions and definitely more cuts in 2009-10. These reductions will be in addition to those that were implemented this past February.
• ACSA Statement on Budget
  The Association of California School Administrators has released a statement on the passage and signage of the 2008-09 state budget.
• Legislative Policy 2009 Sponsorship [pdf]
  
• 2009 Collective Bargaining Summits
  This has been an extraordinary year for school districts and county offices. School boards and governance teams are undergoing enormous challenges that will have lasting implications on their educational programs for years to come. In response, the Collective Bargaining Summits have been completely re-designed and reformulated. This year we’ll be offering more locations at a reduced rate and in a half-day format.
• Sample Thank You Letter to Governor for IMFRP Flexibility
  We anticipate the Governor will sign the recent budget deal by Tuesday, July 28. One important element of flexibility included in the final package is a five year suspension of the IMFRP 24 month purchase requirement. ACSA has strongly advocated for this flexibility given the severe budget crisis. Of the districts we have surveyed well over half have been forced to use IMFRP (through Tier 3) to save jobs. We don’t anticipate the IMFRP flexibility will be blue penciled (line item vetoed) but we don’t want to take any chances and therefore request your assistance in getting letters faxed to the Governor ASAP thanking him for this flexibility.
• A Budget Deal is Finalized… I think?
  After several failed attempts to pass a budget over the past three weeks, surprise, surprise, the legislative leaders and the governor have reached an agreement to close the $26 billion deficit.
• August 15 layoffs – Will it apply this year?
  With the failure of Propositions 1A thru 1E, reductions to K-14 education funding appear more imminent and austere. As a result, there has been an increased level of interest regarding the August 15 “insufficient increase in revenue limits procedure.” While the March 15 layoff procedure has been used and tested considerably, less is known about the August 15 procedure.
• Budget Update - July 17, 2009
  Earlier this week, it was reported that the Legislative leadership and the governor were close to finishing a budget deal to close the state deficit that has grown to $26 billion. Further, it was believed that the budget negotiations would be wrapped up the end of this week. However, this all occurred before education was discussed by the “Big 5.” Needless to say negotiations have stalled.
• Cuts called catastrophic
  The Education Coalition and State Superintendent Jack O’Connell announced the catastrophic consequences of $11.6 billion in cuts to education, including the number of educator layoffs and the impact on students in California.
• Briefing Packet - March 4, 2009
  The Education Coalition has issued the following document describing exactly how $11.6 billion in funding cuts impacts public schools in California,.
• 2009 Collective Bargaining Summit Program
  See attached for this year's Collective Bargaining Summit format.
• Call to Action - No Suspension of Proposition 98
  Since July 1st when the governor recommended that a suspension of Proposition 98 was necessary in order to close the current budget deficit, there has been some off and on discussion as to whether this was a viable proposal.
• Stand Up For Schools
  ACSA encourages participation in the Stand Up For Schools Day of Action, March 13, to protest continued cuts to education funding and to call on the governor and lawmakers to adequately fund public schools.
• Stand Up For Schools Board Resolution
  ACSA's Board of Directors has approved a resolution supporting the Stand Up For Schools Day of Action, March 13, to protest continued cuts to education funding.
• Highlights from 2008 Collective Bargaining Summits
  Linked to CSBA's website are two videos of this year's summits focused on fiscal issues impacting bargaining and what to prepare you in upcoming 2008-09 negotiations.
• Package of autism-related bills circulating in Capitol
  There has been a package of bills introduced in the Legislature dealing with autism spectrum disorders. The bills came as a result of the findings and recommendations of a report issued by the California Legislative Blue Ribbon Commission on Autism in September 2007.
• School Leaders Call on Lawmakers to Save Our Schools
  More than 50 superintendents from across the state participated in a rally at the State Capitol Feb. 11 to protest proposed budget cuts to education.
• Prop 98 Suspension Talking Points
  
• QEIA Lobby Day – Wednesday, September 2, 2009
  The following high priority message contains information regarding a proposed lobby day at the State Capitol for all Quality Education Investment Act (QEIA) school districts on Wednesday, September 2, 2009.
• ACSA Statement on TV Ad
  Bob Wells, ACSA executive director, released a statement in response to the new television ad entitled “Excuse” which advocates against increased flexibility for schools during these tough budget times.
• State Budget Position Statement
  Please click the above link to view the state budget position paper adopted by the executive committee of the ACSA Board of Directors. Included is a section on our advocacy around the federal economic stimulus package as well because of its link to our state budget crisis and the billions of dollars potentially allocated to the state for education.
• Sample Letter Opposing Suspension of Prop 98
  
• Budget Silence is Deadly
  While the State Capitol is unusually quiet this week, others are working to prevent a suspension to Proposition 98. Early in the week, Speaker Bass refused to sit down with the “Big 5” to negotiate the budget protesting the governor’s insistence on including several demands or items that were unrelated to solving the state’s budget deficit.
• Funding Crisis Action Packet 2009
  Find out what YOU can do right now to advocate for public schools. Download information, talking points and sample letters.
• Sample Letter to Governor/Lawmakers
  Contact the governor and state lawmakers immediately in opposition to unfair and onerous cuts to schools and in support of flexibility proposals that protect revenue limit programs including adult education and ROC/P and allow local districts to decide what's best for students. Give lawmakers specific examples of how budget cuts will affect local schools. Click the link to view a sample letter.
• AB 1569 Support Letter
  
• June 30th Deadline Comes With A Thud
  Just before the strike of midnight, the Senate floor became a reenactment of “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” as Senator Florez called for the absent members to vote. “Maldonado, Maldonado, Maldonado” was heard throughout the chamber as the Democratic leadership pressured Senator Maldonado to cast a vote in support of the budget measures. In the end, the Senate again failed to pass the measures necessary to make cuts to the current year budget.
• ACSA Issues Call to Action
  School leaders are urged to contact lawmakers immediately to oppose further cuts to education funding and to support the governor's flexibility proposals to ensure school districts can decide what's best for local students.
• Talking Points on Education Funding Crisis - January 09
  ACSA has developed a set of talking points on the education funding crisis.
• BUDGET ALERT - ACTION NEEDED!
  Last week the Legislative Budget Conference Committee adopted language that would suspend the purchase of newly-adopted instructional materials and suspends the requirement that materials be purchased with 24 months until fiscal year 2012-13.
• Budget Update: Budget Vote Fails in Senate
  As the world turns, so do the days of the budget process. In another attempt and bizarre twist the Legislature again failed to pass budget measures to close the state budget deficit. On Thursday, the Assembly passed three bills that defer payments, cut funding to education in the 2008-09 fiscal year and make changes to redevelopment agencies. However, as those bills moved to the Senate, the bills failed to receive the necessary 2/3rds vote.
• California Gets "F" for School Spending
  The respected non-partisan national publication Education Week released its annual "Quality Counts" survey of public education, showing California dropping further in the rankings of per-pupil funding, now ranking 47th in the nation.
• California School Spending Chart
  California continues to lose ground in per-pupil spending, now ranking 47th in the nation, and trailing the national average by nearly $2,400 per student.
• Budget Conference Committee Update - June 18, 2009
  As the temperatures begin to rise in Sacramento, so have the budget conversations. This week the Joint Budget Conference Committee made the final votes to close the hearings on the state budget.
• SB 307 Support Letter
  
• Ed Coal Remains United
  During the nearly 30 years that the Education Coalition has existed, it has stood up for California’s students during tough budget negotiations, and that continues to be the case today.
• SB 777 student harassment statute remains
  Earlier this week, a Sacramento County Superior Court judge on tossed out a lawsuit against a state law that forbids harassment of public school kids because of their gender or sexual identity.
• SB 777 Advisory_12-20-2007
  
• Schools Fight Billion Dollar Cuts
  Today ACSA and others members of the California Education Coalition held a briefing to call on lawmakers to approve revenue increases and to describe what a budget without revenues – a $7.2 billion cut to K-12 schools – means for public education.
• New LAO Report
  A new LAO report supports the Education Coalition's call for new revenues and warns of dangers of inaction as the state deficit could hit $27.8 billion.
• August 15 layoffs – Will it apply this year?
  With the failure of Propositions 1A thru 1E, reductions to K-14 education funding appear more imminent and austere. As a result, there has been an increased level of interest regarding the August 15 “insufficient increase in revenue limits procedure.” While the March 15 layoff procedure has been used and tested considerably, less is known about the August 15 procedure.
• Position Paper: Governor’s 2009-10 May State Budget Revision
  The Legislature has another daunting task of closing a budget deficit, which has reached approximately $24 billion. ACSA believes these times call for positive and real solutions that don’t destroy ongoing efforts to provide a world-class education to all students.
• Update on CalSTRS Release of Information
  Last week we reported that CalSTRS would be releasing a press release disclosing a list of CalSTRS pension recipients receiving a monthly benefit amount in excess of $8,333.00 per month. Since our last update to you, CalSTRS has decided against an official press release in favor of posting an article on their website with regard to this issue.
• Sample Resolution For Passage of SCA 6 (Simitian)
  SCA 6 (Simitian) places a constitutional amendment on the ballot in 2010 to ask voters if they support school districts having the ability to pass local parcel taxes with a 55% vote threshold instead of the current two-thirds. This would make the vote threshold for parcel taxes the same as for local general obligation bonds for school facilities. Click on title above for a sample resolution for your use if you so choose to take a position. With the dire financial crisis school districts are facing, the passage of SCA 6 could lead to school districts having the ability to raise local revenues to help offset some of the draconian cuts. While SCA 6 is not a total fix for school funding, it will provide school districts with the ability to reach out to their own voters and ask for assistance in meeting their local school needs.
• Quality Education Investment Act Update
  The California Department of Education has recently issued an advisory on important next steps for LEAs that have completed the first full year implementation of QEIA. There are important reminders regarding reporting deadlines and use of funds.
• Update on CalSTRS Press Release
  Yesterday, ACSA sent out an advisory informing our membership of the impending release, by CalSTRS, of a press release that will disclose a list of 3,090 names and the monthly gross benefit they each receive.
• Adult Education & CTE Council Update on AB555 (Portantino)
  AB 555 has been introduced to allow community colleges in Kern, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Los Rios, and San Jose-Evergreen community college districts to enter into partnerships with school districts to provide secondary school pupils with the opportunity to benefit from advanced scholastic, career-technical, or vocational coursework. This bill was amended in the Assembly Education Committee to clarify that a student must first exhaust all available options offered by the school district prior to attending a class offered by the community colleges. Copy of the amended bill is attached.
• CalSTRS Press Release expected May 21, 2009
  ACSA has just learned that late in the day, May 21, 2009, the CalSTRS office in Sacramento will be releasing a press release that will disclose a list showing 3,090 names and the monthly benefit amount they each receive from CalSTRS.
• 2009 Adult Education and CTE Legislation
  Attached is a final account of all bills introduced so far regarding Adult Education and CTE issues. You will note that ACSA has not taken a position on every bill. You will also see that there are a number of bills identified as 2-year bills. This means that the bills are a place holder for something next year since the Legislature works on a two-year session. This document will be updated once the Senate and Assembly Appropriations Committees have determined the fate of the bills that are in their respective committees. This document is also posted in both the Adult Education Council and CTE Council sections of the ACSA website where it will be updated for your access.
• 2009-10 fiscal situation worsening
  Fiscal and political conditions associated with the development of the 2009-10 state budget continue to worsen. These developments undoubtedly pose significant challenges to local education agencies going into the new fiscal year.
• Sample Resolution for Yes on Propositions 1A through 1F
  Attached is a sample Resolution which school boards may use to show support of Propositions 1A through 1F
• Proposed Title 5 Regulations Conversion Charter General-Purpose Funding Entitlements
  ATTENTION DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENTS AND FISCAL STAFF: ACSA is urging district administrators and their fiscal staff to review and provide written comment to proposed regulations to implement SB 319 (Chapter 344, Statutes of 2005) which provides specifically for the creation of general-purpose funding entitlements for a conversion charter school established in a unified school district. Through the regulations rulemaking process the State Board of Education will be implementing these proposed regulations and will consider modifications to the proposed regulations if you submit written comments by the May 21, 2009 deadline (by 5pm). The proposed regulations will impact your local budgets and how much you must provide each conversion charter school in the future.
• ACSA Submits SES Regulation Comments to Advocate for Stronger Accountability
  May 12, 2009 is the deadline for all written comments on the proposed Title 5 amendments to strengthen the accountability of Supplemental Educational Service providers and tutors. ACSA is calling for increased accountability in all aspects of SES. Particularly important to ACSA is ensuring SES providers honor LEA contracts, ensure greater protections for students by requiring all tutors to have criminal record clearances, meet health and safety and privacy rights and, that SES align their services with LEA academic goals. You can still comment up to 5pm on May 12, 2009 by submitting your comments to regcomments@cde.ca.gov. The proposed regulations can be found at www.cde.ca.gov then click on Laws and Regulations. Attached please find ACSA comments to CDE.
• AB 72 (Duvall) Defeated April 22 in Assembly Education
  We were successful in defeating AB 72 (Duvall) last Wednesday night, April 22, 2009 in Assembly Education. AB 72 would have shifted the governance of K-12 data including CALPADs from the State Superintendent to the Chief Information Officer (CIO) who is appointed by the Governor. The bill was granted “reconsideration” however the deadline for amendments has passed so the bill will likely not come up until next January 2010 if at all.
• State Fiscal Stabilization Funds
  Title I and IDEA federal stimulus funds will roll out to California LEAs per current federal allocation formulas. Districts and county offices should expect these funds in the first part of May. To receive State Fiscal Stabilization Funds (SFSF), LEAs must fill out and submit an application no later than May 4, 2009. We expect the first phase of these funds to be delivered to LEAs sometime in early to mid-May.
• The status of federal stimulus dollars
  Federal stimulus dollars have begun flowing to the state. But LEAs are still a few weeks away from getting them in their hands. LEAs will begin receiving these funds in May. There are three primary one-time funding sources in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA): Title I, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund (SFSF).
• Implementing the budget: Still no guidance from state officials
  Various provisions of the recently enacted 2008-09 mid-year reductions and 2009-10 budget require further clarification and regulatory guidance from CDE and the Legislature. As of April 17, such guidance has not been released, but we are told it is forthcoming.
• Bill targeting superintendent termination clauses pulled from committee
  AB 164 (Mendoza, D-Artesia) is a bill that would prohibit K-adult superintendent contracts from containing severance and/or buyout clauses when a superintendent's employment with a district is terminated by the board of trustees. Under current law, superintendent contracts may include a buyout clause not to exceed 18 months of the individuals contracted salary and benefits. ACSA is strongly opposed to this measure
• Economic forecasts indicate more challenges ahead for schools
  Two recently released economic forecasts indicate that California and the nation will remain in significant recession for the foreseeable future. The data points to a widespread contraction of state and national economic output. This will pose significant challenges for school district and county offices well into 2010-11.
• ACSA Board Takes Position on May 19th Ballot Initiatives
  On Tuesday, March 24th, the ACSA Board of Directors entertained a thorough discussion of the ballot propositions that will come before voters on May 19th. Propositions 1A through 1E were negotiated as part of the 2008-09 and 2009-10 budget package. Each initiative has several impacts on the state budget ranging from the length of the tax increases to borrowing against the state lottery.
• Proposition 1D
  California Children and Families Act
• Proposition 1C
  California State Lottery
• Revised Ballot Proposition chart
  Attached you will find the revised Ballot Proposition chart and analysis documents based on the action taken by our board of directors yesterday (March 24) where support positions were taken on Propositions 1A – 1E.
• Proposition 1B
  Education Finance
• Proposition 1E
  Mental Health Funding
• Proposition 1A
  Changes California Budget Process, Limits State Spending, Increases Rainy Day Budget Stabilization Fund
• Federal Stimulus Plan Webinar Powerpoint Presentation
  Please click the above link to view the latest information on the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) 2009 and timelines from the ACSA Federal Stimulus webinar held on March 19th. The presentation may be used by LEAs to share the lastest information with their districts.
• With increased flexibility comes increased responsibility: A big picture perspective
  Much has been made of the recently adopted “flexibility” in the use of categorical program funding, and some have celebrated the newly introduced funding as a political victory. However, the fact remains that the flexibility, although helpful, comes with historic overall reductions in K-adult funding, and specific reductions to programs and services to students.
• Class Size Reduction Changes with New Budget
  While the Adopted State Budget did not provide the level of flexibility in K-3 class size reduction that was originally proposed by the Governor, the Budget Act has significantly modified the penalty structure for K-3 class size reduction, resulting in a fiscally significant programmatic decision for Districts.
• Outlooks on budget politics and the May 19 special election
  Five measures will be on the ballot that will have significant ramifications to the state’s financial viability. As the Legislative Analyst’s Office noted in a report released March 13, the 2009-10 budget is forecasted to be nearly $8 billion below its recently revised levels. If any one or several of these ballot measures fail, state policy makers will have to go back to the drawing board.
• State’s fiscal outlook and its impact on K-adult education
  On Friday March 13, the Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) released a report that reviewed the recently enacted 2009-10 State Budget and the anticipated federal stimulus funds. The LAO forecasts that combined 2008-09 and 2009-10 revenues will come up nearly $8 billion below the 2009-10 budgeted levels. This forecast is less than a month since the governor signed the budget.
• Final Budget Analysis Presentation
  This analysis was developed in partnership with the K-adult consulting firm of Total School Solutions. ACSA and TSS continue to analyze the state budget bill and the education trailer bills. In the meantime, we have provided a PowerPoint presentation that you may use to discuss the budget package and its implications in your own LEAs and communities.
• Tentative Budget Agreement
  This weekend (Valentine’s Day) the Legislature attempted to pass a state budget plan to close the state deficit of $42 billion. After spending the entire evening on Saturday and Sunday in the legislative chambers, neither the Assembly nor the Senate succeeded in passing the legislative measures that made up the state budget. ACSA was briefed Saturday morning regarding the budget package. The following is a synopsis of that briefing. While this summary is fairly accurate, we have not had an opportunity to review the actual budget language. When ACSA has an opportunity to review the language, we will provide a more detailed analysis.
• Call to Action: Fiscal Stimulus Package for Education
  Today's vote in the Senate paved the way for a precedent setting two day House-Senate Conference Committee to send a single stimulus bill to the President. Just 10 members of Congress are on the committee and two are from California. They are Henry Waxman (D-Los Angeles) and Jerry Lewis (R-Redlands). ACSA urges you to make your views known in the next two days.
• Immediate Action Needed on State Budget
  Senate Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg announced that legislative leadership and the Governor (the Big Five) were close to finalizing the state budget and a vote on the budget is imminent. They are working to close the budget shortfall of about $40 billion over the 18 month period that includes the 2008-09 and 2009-10 fiscal years.
• Estimated Allocations to LEAs under HR1
  The appropriations reflect the three proposals for increased education funding for IDEA, Title I and the new School Renovation and Repair program. These are the formula driven proposals and the amounts do not include the Stabilization Fund ($39 billion for education). This is an example only and does not guarantee these will be the amounts your district will receive until we see a final conference bill that is signed by President Obama including final language on requirements.
• Fiscal Stimulus Package for Education 2-9-09
  Here is the latest information on the differences for education under the Federal Recovery Act between HR 1 and S. 336. This is a side by side courtesy of our federal affiliate the American Association of School Administrators (AASA). Once the Senate takes a final vote on Tuesday, February 10 the two proposals will go to a conference committee to reconcile the differences before a final bill is sent to President Obama. The goal is to have one bill to the President by February 13.
• Special Education Credentialing Reform
  CTC will be hosting the first of a series of meetings regarding Special Education Credentialing Reform beginning March 13, 2009. Please click on the link to see the details for the meetings and to register to participate. More details will be available at www.ctc.ca.gov about additional meetings to be held in various locations throughout the state. The CTC plans to put the webcast in their archives for those who cannot attend March 13. It is important that school leaders have a voice at these hearings and our views are heard.
• U.S. Senate to Vote Huge Education Cuts
  A U.S. Senate vote -- that would potentially decimate previously agreed-to increases for Title I, IDEA and 'stabilization' money to replace state cuts -- is set to take place as early as this afternoon. We need your help, now.
• Legislative Analyst's 2009-10 budget analysis
  The Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) has released their annual analysis of the governor’s 2009-10 January budget proposal. The complete report is available at www.lao.ca.gov. Please click the above link to view ACSA's analysis of that report.
• Act Today To Support Senate Bill 336
  The Senate is currently debating amendments to S.336 (The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009) which contains $138 billion in Education and Training Funds. A final vote on S.336 is expected Thursday or Friday of this week, so action now is critical. If S.336 passes this week we anticipate a House/Senate conference committee will be held next week to reconcile the differences between S.336 and HR 1 which passed the House last week and contains similar provisions for education with some differences.
• Sample Letter to Governor/Lawmakers
  Contact the governor and state lawmakers immediately in opposition to unfair and onerous cuts to schools and in support of flexibility proposals that protect revenue limit programs including adult education and ROC/P and allow local districts to decide what's best for students. Give lawmakers specific examples of how budget cuts will affect local schools. Click the link to view the sample letter we have provided.
• Overview of HR 1 Spending Proposals
  
• State Budget Position Statement
  Please click the above link to view the state budget position paper adopted by the executive committee of the ACSA Board of Directors. Included is a section on our advocacy around the federal economic stimulus package as well because of its link to our state budget crisis and the billions of dollars potentially allocated to the state for education.
• Governor's 2009-10 January Budget Proposal
  In a surprising move the Governor released his January 2009-10 Budget Proposal on New Year's Eve and 11 days earlier than the January 10 constitutional deadline. Substituting for the governor (who was vacationing in Idaho), the director of the Department of Finance, Mike Genest presented the proposed budget. Earlier this week, State Senate and Assembly Democrats sent their "majority vote" version of mid-year reductions and fee increases (i.e. taxes) to the governor despite his strong veto threat prior to the holidays.
• School Funding Initiative Filed
  On Friday afternoon, December 19, 2008, CTA filed a school funding initiative which increases the sales tax by one cent generating approximately $5 - $6 billion dollars annually for schools and community colleges beginning in 2010. They hope to qualify the initiative, the Public School Investment and Accountability Act, for a possible special election in 2009.
• Legislature Passes Mid-Year Cut Legislation
  Happy Holidays from the State Legislature and the Governor! In the ongoing saga we call the state budget, it is hard to tell who is playing the role of Santa Claus and who is playing the Grinch. The new installment of budget drama ended with the Legislature passing a package of bills that included a questionable tactic to increase revenues, massive cuts to state services, a veto promise and a possible legal injunction. It seems no one has the holiday spirit.
• Special Session Sounds Dire - Action Needed
  The last twenty-four hours marked another day demonstrating the dysfunction and polarization of the Legislature and governor. The day started with Assembly member Villines outlining everything the Republican Caucus would need in order to convince the caucus members to vote on taxes.
• Judge Rebukes SBE's Claim of Authority to Mandate Algebra I Testing
  In a swift rebuke on both counts brought by ACSA and CSBA (later joined by CTA and Superintendent O'Connell) Superior Court Judge Sheelyanne Chang issued a Preliminary Injunction last Friday against the State Board of Education requiring they cease action associated with the July vote to mandate all 8th graders take the Algebra I CST.
• Budget Sample Letter
  Attached is a sample letter that describes our need for additional revenues, a realistic approach to mid-year cuts and our support and need for flexibility. Please feel free to adjust the letter to meet your local needs or audience. It is important to describe the harm that further cuts will cause your local schools. We must stay vigilant in our message and maintain the pressure to place education as a priority.
• Superintendents Council Presentation on Budget
  Please click the above link to view the presentation that was given at the Superintendency Council on December 5, 2008.
• Superintendents Council - December 5,2008
  Please click the above link to download the documents that were distributed at the Superintendents Council meeting on December 5, 2008.
• Summary of 2008 CAHSEE Results from HumRRO [pdf]
  Please find attached a summary of some of the data presented by HumRRO the independent evaluator for CAHSEE. The data shows trends resulting from the 2008 passing rates, the 2008 failure rates and some of the assumptions and expectations students have regarding graduation. For a full copy of the report you can go to www.cde.ca.gov, click on State Board of Education meeting agendas November 5-6, then click on SBE agenda item #24.
• Budget Alert: Special Session Vote
  The Legislative special session ends with a whimper. Both houses of the Legislature met to vote on a package of mid-year cuts and increased revenues in an effort to close the state's budget deficit of $28 billion. Similar to the ongoing budget impasse this past year, the Legislature failed to reach consensus on any legislation to close the budget deficit.
• Budget Advisory: LAO releases annual five-year forecast
  The Legislative Analyst’s Office released its annual Fiscal Outlook: 2008-09 through 2013-14. This report serves as a prelude to the annual budget deliberation process that begins every January with the release of the governor’s January Budget Proposal. However, with the special session beginning shortly after the November election, much of the forecast was shared in the Legislative Analyst’s analysis of the governor’s special session proposal.
• Insulin injection lawsuit
  Sacramento Superior Court Judge ruled that it is unlawful to use unlicensed personnel to administer insulin to school children in California schools.
• Principles: Building a Statewide Longitudinal Education Data System [pdf]
  The statewide Education Coalition formed a work group to develop principles around a longitudinal data system that would guide the work of the Coalition members. The priority for ACSA and the Education Coalition is teaching and learning and the infrastructure and training needed to make the system effective.
• CA Educators Seek IDEA Funding Increase [pdf]
  California is facing an unprecedented fiscal situation and the Governor is proposing that school agencies be cut by more than $2.2 billion. At the same time, the federal government has failed to meets its commitment to fund federal special education mandates at its 40% authorized levels, contributing to a $3 billion shortfall in funding for special education in California. The combination of these factors has exacerbated the financial burden on every school agency in the state, some to the brink of fiscal insolvency. As an economic stimulus package is developed in late 2008 and early 2009, ACSA and other statewide associations we call on Congress to consider the following: Fund IDEA Now, Fund Federal Preschool Programs and Eliminate Unnecessary Mandates.
• SBE Summary - November 2008
  Some of the key issues this month were the approval of the 2008 K-8 Reading Language Arts Adoption of Instructional Materials, the approval of the new performance level standards for CMA and CAPA and the assignment of NCLB Corrective Actions for LEAs in Cohort 2. No action was taken on the Algebra I issue as there is a Temporary Restraining Order against the State Board. To view the full summary please click on the above link.
• LAO Special Session Analysis
  The Legislative Analyst Office (LAO) noted that the revenues in the state are plummeting quickly and will continue to plummet if the Legislature fails to act quickly. Further, the deficit has become a monumental problem and now equals approximately $28 billion over a 20 month period.
• LAO's Overview of the Governor's Special Session Proposals [pdf]
  The LAO concur with the administration’s assessment that the state’s struggling economy signals a major reduction in expected revenues. The above link will take you to a pdf version of the LAO's Overview of the 2008 Special Session Proposals on the Legislative Analyst's Office website.
• Governor Calls for Special Session
  The governor finally called for the Special Session that he promised late last week. The governor defined the overall budget deficit for the current fiscal year and the 2009-10 fiscal year and introduced his plan to solve the budget deficit.
• Worker's Compensation Rate Update
  The Workers' Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau (WCIRB) had notified Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner, that a rate increase was going to be needed in order to cover the increases in medical treatment and claims adjustment costs.
• 2008 Legislative Year End Report [pdf]
  Attached you will find the legislative highlights of the recently concluded 2008 legislative session. The year was dominated by declining state revenues, the implications of this situation on the state budget for 2008 – 09 and in particular on the education budget.
• Budget advisory: Analysis of final 2008-09 K-adult budget Overview and commentary
  This year's budget saga finally came to end. Unfortunately, the final 2008-09 State Budget merely "kicks the can down the road," and does very little to address the fundamental causes of the state's structural deficit and nagging fiscal issues. It is likely the worst state budget we have witnessed in our careers. The budget document was out of whack the moment it was signed and sets us up for incredible challenges in the years to come. Education leaders are advised to prepare for difficult fiscal conditions going well into 2010-11.
• Final Budget Passed
  September 16, 2008 - Finally, after a record 78 day impasse, the Legislature has passed a budget proposal for the Governor to sign. Late last night both the Senate and Assembly took up a budget proposal that did not include new taxes and relies heavily on borrowing. The resolution of the budget came about over the weekend when Senator Perata relented to the Republican Caucus’ demand to design a budget that does not include new or higher taxes. After working throughout the week, the Democratic leadership of the Senate and Assembly and the leadership from the Republican Caucus emerged late Sunday night with a budget compromise that will end the longest budget standoff in state history.
• Education Coalition Holds Statewide “Day of Action”
  The Education Coalition held a statewide "Day of Action" on Sept. 5 to call on leaders to pass a responsible budget that invests in students, schools and California’s future.
• Budget Advisory: Implications of a late budget on K-adult program apportionments
  September 4, 2008 - The state budget stalemate has now entered record-setting territory. If the stalemate continues, it is possible that many categorical program payments could be delayed. As we enter this uncharted territory, it will be imperative that county offices and school districts closely monitor their cash flow conditions. This joint budget advisory is intended to provide education leaders and stakeholders information and management recommendations on this matter.
• FY 2008-09 Questions and Answers: Stay Vigilant in Protecting Proposition 98
  July 7, 2008 - We have now reached the constitutional deadline for the passage and signature of a budget and again the deadline was passed without a budget being passed or signed. We have reached the stage in the budget process where the specifics of the budget are being negotiated by the "Big 5" - the Governor, Senate Pro Tem, Assembly Speaker, and the leaders of the Senate and Assembly Republican Caucus.
• Budget Vote Fails Senate Floor
  September 3, 2008 - With three days before the end of the legislative session, the Senate finally took a budget up for a vote. On Thursday night the rumors circulated that the Senate had an agreement on the budget and planned to pass a budget on Friday morning. It appeared that the rumor was half right. The Senate voted for a budget, but without any Republican votes (and one Democrat not voting) the budget failed passage.
• SBE Summary - July 2008
  The State Board of Education met July 9-10, 2008. It was the last meeting for student member Monica Liu. Student members are full voting members and serve one year. Board members Alan Bersin and Don Fisher were absent. J.T. Lawrence formerly with the San Diego County Office of Education has been appointed to serve as the new CDE Assessment Division Director, replacing Deb Sigman who is now serving as Deputy Superintendent of the Assessment and Accountability Branch. The next meeting of the State Board will be September 10-11, 2008.
• Release of 2008-09 May Budget Revision
  May 14, 2008 - Earlier today Governor Schwarzenegger released his 2008-09 May Budget Revision. The proposal contains significant changes to his January proposal. The above link is an analysis of the proposal's impacts to K-adult education programs.
• Budget Negotiations
  July 23, 2008 - Twenty-three days past the constitutional deadline for a budget and the legislative leadership is still deadlocked in negotiations regarding the specifics of the state budget. For the past several weeks the Big 4 - the majority and minority leadership from the Senate and Assembly - have met regularly in an effort to finalize the budget. ACSA believes that these meetings have been productive in their efforts to finalize a budget that would close the budget deficit. Late last week the Governor met with the Big 4 to discuss a resolution to the budget stalemate, and included his lottery proposal as a possible solution to closing the deficit.
• Governor's 2008-09 January Budget Proposal
  January 10, 2008 - Governor Schwarzenegger has released his proposed January 2008-09 State Budget declaring a “fiscal emergency” per Proposition 58 and proposing massive cuts to public education. As predicted by ACSA and other experts, it signals the start of yet another difficult financial period for public education. The following outlines the governor’s proposal, its impact on LEA management and operations, and ACSA’s initial policy response.
• SBE Summary - January 2008
  Please click the above link to view the regular report on the State Board of Education actions for January. As always its narrowed down to some key issues of interest including Title 5 regulations. The next meeting of the State Board is March 12-13, 2008.
• Calm Before the Storm
  April 4, 2008 - Please click the above link for a status update on the 2008-09 state budget deliberations.
• SBE Summary - March 2008
  Please click the above link to view the summary of a number of key issues before the State Board of Education in March. There were a large number of big items including the adoption of K-12 Health Content Standards, the assignment of NCLB Corrective Actions for 97 LEAs, approval of the CTE State Plan and a number of Title 5 regulation packages (CBET, Nutrition and HQT). Included is a very detailed summary of the action by the State Board on NCLB Corrective Action as it will have an impact on LEAs in the future who face this issue. To view the SBE full report please click link above.
• Budget Rumors are Swirling!
  August 13, 2008 - Rumors are swirling in and out of the Capitol that a final budget deal is eminent. Our reconnaissance indicates the following: We've entered the stage where "real" negotiations are starting to happen. Those that do collective bargaining for their LEA know when critical mass starts to come together.
• New Education Statutes - 2008
  Following is a summary of all statutes now in effect from the 2007 legislative year. Every year the Assembly Education Committee staff prepares a summary of all bills that were introduced with a concise summary. Following are only those bills that have been chaptered and are now law by subject. If you wish to view the entire statute for each bill visit www.assembly.ca.gov for Assembly bills and www.senate.ca.gov for Senate bills.
• Budget rally delivers message
  Hundreds of ACSA members gathered in Sacramento last week to participate in the association’s Legislative Action Day.
• Bills seek to make changes to retiree regs
  A number of bills making their way through the Capitol would affect retired educators in California.
• Issue Paper - State Budget: 2008-09 Mid-year cuts
  The state budget contained the largest reduction to education funding since the inception of Proposition 98. The Governor signed a Budget Act that cut $7.4 billion from the 2008-09 budget and an additional $3 billion from the 2009-10 fiscal year. While many non-Prop 98 programs faced cuts in the current year, education took more than its share of the cuts.
• 2nd Annual School Wellness Conference - October 6th & 7th
  The 2nd Annual School Wellness Conference is set for October 6-7, 2009 in Anaheim, California. The conference organizers are CSBA and CDE.
• 2009 Collective Bargaining Summits: Staying the Course - Protecting the Educational Program
  ONLINE REGISTRATION NOW AVAILABLE! HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!
• Mullin Receives Friend of Public Education Award
  Assemblymember Gene Mullin has received ACSA's 2008 Friend of Public Education Award.
• QEIA Funding Situation (8/13/2009)
  
• Budget Veto Urged
  The Education Coalition urges the governor to veto the budget passed by the Legislature, which failed to provide a balance of cuts and increased revenues.
• Educators Oppose Further Cuts
  The Education Coalition stands firm against cuts to schools as the governor projects an additional $2-4 billion slashed from education.
• SBE Summary - May 2008
  
• State Superintendent Jack O’Connell Holds Conference Call: CALPADS Scheduled to Launch Statewide August 2009 (Revised 7-15-09)
  Last Friday, State Superintendent Jack O’Connell announced that CALPADS is scheduled to launch on schedule August 1, 2009.
• QEIA Lobby Day Logistics
  The following are updated logistics regarding Wednesday’s (Sept 2) ACSA and CTA Lobby Day for the restoration of Quality Education Investment Act (QEIA) funding
• Review our Letter of Support for AB 346
  
• Algebra I testing mandate: Temporary restraining order issued against SBE
  A temporary restraining order (TRO) was issued against the State Board of Education (SBE) from moving ahead to implement their July ruling mandating an end of course exam for Algebra I in the 8th grade.
• School Facilities Issues in Difficult Times
  Workshops sponsored by ACSA In cooperation with the Cumming Corporation Targeted to Southern California Education Leaders No cost to participants The Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) is sponsoring three free workshops focusing on hot topics in the school facilities arena. The workshops are being offered in cooperation with ACSA’s corporate partner the Cumming Construction Corporation. All three half-day workshops will be provided at no cost or obligation to participants. The workshops are geared toward school district and county office facility directors, site principals, CBOs, superintendents, and board members. Date and locations are as follows:
• Review our summary of amendments to AB 346 (Conway)