The following statement is shared for immediate release on behalf of the California Association of Suburban School Districts (CALSSD):
CALSSD Statement on Education Budget Bill
SACRAMENTO, CA — The California Association of Suburban School Districts (CALSSD) today issued the following statement regarding the 2026-27 state budget for public education approved by Governor Gavin Newsom. This statement can be attributed to the Superintendent of Modesto City Schools, Dr. Vanessa Buitrago. Modesto City Schools serves as the lead district for CALSSD.
“We commend the Governor and legislature for their commitment to California’s students and schools, and for prioritizing education in this year’s overall budget agreement. We applaud the increase in on-going funding for special education. This funding significantly helps districts meet the needs of students with special needs and maintain fiscal stability while supporting the progress of all students.
“The ongoing increase to Local Control Funding Formula is also significant as LCFF is the main source of funding for our districts. The above statutory COLA is identified as a source of funding for the new paid pregnancy disability leave mandate. Districts in CALSSD are actively planning for implementation of this new policy.
“The $5 billion discretionary block grant is of heightened value because it allows districts to meet local priorities, including navigating rising costs. The allocation of these funds via an average-daily attendance (ADA) basis is appreciated because it provides flexibility to address district-wide cost increases. We appreciate that the final budget utilizes this allocation methodology.
“We also appreciate the dedicated funding to support community schools. Many suburban schools have implemented this whole child approach and have seen the positive impact it has on students and families. Ongoing funding and broader eligibility criteria are welcome adjustments; we continue to be interested in ways that vulnerable students in schools that do not meet the threshold for funding can be connected to the benefits of community schools.
“We remain concerned and will maintain advocacy to ensure that the $3.9 billion of Prop 98 funding owed to schools is allocated in a timely manner.
“Finally, CALSSD is supportive of the coming change to education governance and the increased coherence in state policy, guidance and oversight that it will bring. We believe that implementation of state programs will be enhanced with management by an education commissioner who has experience as a local public education leader.
“As our districts prepare for the coming school year, we remain committed to serving all students and redoubling efforts to improve outcomes. Many districts face declining enrollment and fiscal challenges exacerbated by rising costs for health care, operations and employee compensation.
“We look forward to working with the Legislature and the next administration to craft budget and policy measures that will address these challenges – including accessibility and affordability of healthcare for educators – and invest in continuous improvement and promote the success of all California students.”
About CALSSD: The California Association of Suburban School Districts represents member districts serving communities across California’s suburban regions, advocating for fiscally responsible policies that support student success and educator effectiveness.
For more information, please contact Andrea Ball and Deborah Bautista Zavala, legislative advocates for CALSSD at andrea@ballfrostgroup.com and deborah@bautistazavalagr.com.
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