At the same time, the Education Coalition is calling for greater local control over the funding so that parents, teachers, and district representatives can put the funds where the needs are greatest. California's strong economy and the state's dramatic actual and projected increases in revenues make it both possible and advisable to make these funding improvements now, Coalition representatives emphasize. Providing public education with a fair share of the new revenues could move the state's per-pupil funding in the right direction. Discretionary funding must be significantly increased. The Coalition notes that the governor's January proposal provides schools with no unfettered spending above the statutory appropriations for student enrollment increases and inflation.
Districts use discretionary funds to improve basic classroom services.
The coalition will also be pressing for increased flexibility with which to implement the governor's education initiatives. The Coalition is also working to protect the integrity of Proposition 98, the school funding initiative. Share with them examples from your own experience about how funding shortfalls are harming the educational experience for students at your school.