The Rally Wrap-Up

May 24, 2011 by Sara

The kids had gone to bed super jazzed about the idea of this rally for education. My son called from his bed, some 20 minutes past his tuck-in, “Mom I’m REALLY excited about the rally!”

He’s four.

When I woke them at 6:00AM and they sprang right up and said: “OK! Let’s go.” I was so grateful for their enthusiasm and honestly relieved that I was not dragging them from their warm beds to something they were apathetic towards.

We were pumped.

There was no need to get dressed.

The theme was “Wake Up California!” and so the three of us stayed in our pajamas as promised. (Mine are Hello Kitty fleece in case you were wondering – remember this picture?)

The rally kicked off promptly at 7:00 with a school chorus being led by their guitar strumming Principal and lasted for about an hour. At the peak, over 150 people had come to show their support.

Speakers included a super cute self-proclaimed “band geek” that thanked his music program for reintroducing him to music in his elementary school. He had since developed a passion for music and shared that it not only taught them notes but also instilled discipline and a huge sense of accomplishment.

All four superintendents of our neighboring towns were present as were several representatives from Sacramento. Assemblywoman Joan Buchanan came in person and Senator DeSaulnier sent a representative.

 

My own little peanut, Anna, spoke before the crowd. A teary moment for me. When asked what she loved most about her school she answered: “P.E. and Library.”

Poignant because both programs would be cut under an all-cuts budget.

Anna_atrally

I was really proud to have been a part of this event. While it is only the beginning, it is definitely a start, to raising awareness on just how bad the education crisis is.

Yes, reform is needed.

Yes, additional monies need to be found.

But the first step in anything is communication.  Today three towns came together to have one voice and to say that we will not accept what has happened to the state of education in California going forward.

If you missed the rally, you can still sign the online petition by clicking here.

Also, please get involved, in any way you can, and support your local schools. The children of tomorrow depend on it.

Almost forgot!

Here are some links to the media coverage we got in our town and some from around the state today.

Our local spots.
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/video?id=8149643&syndicate=syndicate&section=

http://www.ktvu.com/video/28005655/index.html

 

And… apparently, THE Luke Perry (of 90210 fame) came out to support his children’s schools, LOVE IT:

Luke Perry in Sherman Oaks: http://fb.me/VLyt9Wi4

 

 

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Getting Back on My Soap Box: Wake Up California!

May 22, 2011 by Sara

Awhile back I got up on my soap box, well I’m getting back on it one more time… On May 24th at 7AM I’m going to be standing at a busy intersection in downtown Lafayette with my two kids, all of us in our pajamas. Why? Read on to find out…

 

The state of California is a mess, our budget is unbalanced and our social services, parks and most importantly (to me) our education system is paying the price.

Just take a look at this chart:

Basically California is almost dead last in just about every category.

No bueno.

How did we get here?

Well… that’s complicated and tricky. I’m still not sure I get it 100% and my head is spinning from trying to understand it all. Sometimes it takes an outsider’s view to help us see the trees through the forest, for that I recommend the April 2011 issue of the Economist. They dedicated a whole issue to the state of California and its current crises. A good read.

In a nutshell we’ve made our state’s democratic system so complicated and voted in so many initiatives and propositions that the government does not function efficiently. The very propositions that were voted into legislation, namely Props 98 and 13 now limit the efficacy of the system. The money for CA schools comes from the state and each school district gets an amount based on a formula of how many students are enrolled and which extra programs they run. It’s all VERY complicated and cumbersome. Take my word on it.

Currently the California legislators are working with the Governor’s May Revise budget proposal and trying to pass the budget by June 15th. In the May Revise, the state realized that there was going to be an extra $6.4 billion in unexpected revenues to the state. Nice windfall hunh? As the tax filing deadline of April 15th passed, it became apparent that there was an increase in personal income taxes, mostly due to gains via Wall Street. All money that the state had not anticipated. From this sum, $2.7 billion of these tax revenues will be allocated to K-14 schools. YIPPEEE! Right?! NOT SO FAST!!!

Good news… BUT AND A VERY BIG BUT HERE, we are not out of the woods. That almost $3 billion basically offsets an existing deficit, it does not go towards future programs or developing our system to meet future needs.  If additional revenues are not introduced, via tax extensions or other sources, the education system will continue to fall behind. Take for example one of the ways schools will have to make ends meet with the new budgets: cut the school from 180 days to 169  days, dropping a WHOLE MONTH of school!!!

Totally unacceptable. Especially when you factor in how the schools are operating today… They are already in trouble.

While the funding issue is definitely at the forefront there is also the inherent composition of the California school system that makes it a challenge only compounded by money issues. With over 6.2 million students in over 10,000 schools, that’s a million more than Florida and New York combined, it is a diverse population that comes with its own set of challenges.

1. More than half of CA students are Hispanic/Latino
2. Almost half qualify for free/price reduced meals
3. 25% are English learners
4. The highest proportion of children with a parent who is not a high school graduate
5. Schools range in size from 20 students to +680,000

A challenging environment for educators to address before you start compressing their calendar and reducing the number of administrators and other support programs.

The school system needs STABLE, CONSISTENT FUNDING so that educators can address the challenges they currently have and continue to develop their curriculum to meet the needs of the future.

California should not be dead last in the rankings.  We should not accept that.

 

So what can YOU do?

Well one of three things:

1) On Tuesday, May 24th, attend one of +20 rallies that are planned all across the state and say Wake Up California! Come together with parents, teachers, students, and administrators to draw attention to the crises facing our education system and demand sustainable funding going forward. Click the logo below to find a rally location near you.

2) If you can’t make it to a rally for various reasons, then you should sign the virtual rally here at iPetitions.

 

And 3)

At the very least, support your teachers and your schools in any way you can. A special thank you goes a long way.

 

Remember stay informed! This is our children’s future here.

Ok I am getting off my soap box, but only temporarily…

 

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