CALSSD Statement on Final Budget Agreement for Fiscal Year 2021-2022

July 6, 2021

For Immediate Release

CALSSD Statement on Final Budget Agreement for Fiscal Year 2021-2022

The California Association of Suburban School Districts (CALSSD) congratulated the Governor and Legislature for reaching agreement on the 2021-22 Budget, and recognized elements of the budget that support suburban school districts’ work to meet the educational needs of all students. CALSSD also appreciates the compromise language in AB/SB 130 on independent study that provides an option for independent study in instances in which parents or guardians determine that in-person instruction would put a student’s health at risk.

The following statement is attributed to Dr. Sara Noguchi, Superintendent of Modesto City Schools, the lead district for CALSSD.

“We are encouraged that a number of CALSSD recommendations are included in the final package. The resolution of budget negotiations and the pay off of all deferrals gives districts fiscal certainty and allows us to begin  implementing plans for instruction and student support in advance of the upcoming fall semester.

“Following 15  months of stress and challenges to teaching and learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we appreciate the increase in education funding aimed at supporting our students’ academic, social and emotional recovery through a lens of equity and inclusion. We look forward to using the new resources allocated in this budget agreement, such as the increase to the LCFF base grant and the compound cost-of-living adjustment, to address challenges and inequities stemming from COVID-19 by expanding mental health services, and accelerating academic, social, and emotional learning.

“We also applaud the much-needed increase in funding for special education services and the expanded learning grants to all districts. We look forward to exploring the robust implementation of the groundbreaking expansion of Transitional Kindergarten. The investment in laying the foundation of early learning for all students will pay dividends in student success for a generation.

“Lastly, as was noted in a recent report from the California Education Lab, while the vast majority of suburban school districts serve a significant number of students who are eligible for free or reduced price meals, are in foster care, or are English learners, there is significant variation among and within districts. The increase in LCFF base funding in this budget is a positive step. However, because some suburban school districts serve a higher number of disadvantaged students than others, we acknowledge that the formula for expanding LCFF concentration funding included in the final budget agreement was disappointing to some districts. CALSSD will continue to advocate for the state to increase LCFF funding so that every district has the resources to fully meet the academic, social, and emotional learning  needs of all students.”

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