Parcel Tax Passage Only Softens Blow of State Education Cuts

The passage of Measure A with an 80%+ approval from the voters sends the message to San Carlos Schools that its citizens care about maintaining quality public schools in its community.  But, the real challenge in San Carlos and other Bay Area communities is what will happen with the state budget up in Sacramento.  Governor Jerry Brown has conveniently sidestepped the issue by putting forth a straw man budget that "spares" education.  This is because Governor Brown has actually put a on public education funding by making it contingent on California voters passing state ballot initiatives come November.  Should the voters not pass the measures, Brown can give us his "aw shucks" look--  explain that he did everything he could to protect public education funding.  

Governor Brown has put school districts and charter schools on notice to prepare for a cut of $850 per student in funding for the 11-12 fiscal year.  This could be catastrophic for most charter schools and public school districts alike.  In San Carlos, the school district is looking at cut in funding of up to $2.5 million.  For charter schools in the area, it could equate to almost 15%-20% of state funding.  Most charter schools operate with very little overhead.  Cuts at this level would dramatically cut into classroom programs.  

That being said, the citizens of San Carlos have come through with a strong message in support of quality public schools.  Let's hope the message that San Carlos sent its school community will be echoed in cities and towns throughout California.  Governor Brown's political strategy to place public education funding up for a vote is the easy alternative for him.  He should be protecting the children of California--not putting them in the cross hairs.  Let's hope he recognizes that the real battle to tame the state budget is not with public schools; the real battle is with comprehensive pension reform.