CTA believes that adequate state and federal funding is vital to ensuring each and every student the high-quality education they deserve. Proposition 98’s minimum funding guarantee is a floor, not a ceiling for school funding. CTA opposes any reduction in revenue to the State’s General Fund that would reduce Proposition 98 funding, including tax cuts.
FUNDING ADEQUACY:
Schools also need to be funded adequately so that they can provide necessary resources in classroom supply budgets to meet the individual needs of ALL students.
At a minimum, funding adequacy means that schools should receive allocations that — when measured on a per- pupil basis — put California in the top ten of all 50 states.
CTA believes any additional revenues, such as any new tax increases, should go directly to the General Fund.
PROPOSITION 98 FUNDING GUARANTEE
The Proposition 98 funding guarantee must be considered the minimum level – not the maximum of level – in any given state budget. CTA believes we must protect the integrity of Proposition 98.
The voters intended that Proposition 98 funding should be used for instructional purposes. Proposition 98 funds should not be used to underwrite the costs of school facilities. School facilities should be funded primarily from general obligation bonds.
FUNDING RESPONSIBILITY:
CTA believes the state and federal government should provide adequate funds for education so that school districts can meet the goal of assuring all students receive a high-quality education.
PRIVATE SCHOOL FUNDING, TAX CUTS AND TAX “EXPENDITURES”
CTA opposes any reduction in revenue to the State’s General Fund that would reduce Proposition 98 funding, including tax cuts and tax credits, or taxes that are designated to a special fund other than education.
CTA opposes any attempts to use public school funding for private schooling, including vouchers, tuition tax credits, or any use of education funding for private purposes.
SCHOOL FACILITIES
CTA believes closed public school buildings should not be sold or leased to organizations which provide education services in direct competition with public schools.
