Emergency! Districts Across the State Face Major Budget Cuts!

Schools districts across the state are experiencing declining enrollment rates as a result of the pandemic, and many are in danger of losing funding. Districts such as West Contra Costa could face reductions of up to 10% of their overall budget, reductions which would cause major layoffs and a limit resources in already cash-strapped classrooms. 

According to officials in affected districts, the state’s practice of tying school funding to attendance rates will exacerbate achievement gaps created by the pandemic and worsen teacher shortages. The state has money to address this issue. Lawmakers must act immediately to provide short term relief and a long term plan of action to ensure that our public schools are well resourced and well funded for years to come. 

Jessica Christian for SF Chronicle

California districts anticipate major hits to their 2022-23 budgets as enrollments drop

By Ali Tadayon, EdSource | 10/18/2021