A lawsuit filed today in Sacramento by the California School Boards Association (CSBA) asserts that Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent funding plan for public schools violates the state constitution and could jeopardize future school funding. The lawsuit comes in response to Newsom’s budget proposal introduced in May, which sought to address an $8.8 billion shortfall in the Proposition 98 funding guarantee through borrowing from the state’s general fund.
The CSBA has been vocal in its opposition to what it calls Newsom’s “funding maneuver,” arguing that this approach undermines the safety net established by Proposition 98, which has been in place for nearly 40 years. The proposition guarantees a minimum level of funding for California’s public schools, typically amounting to roughly 40% of the state’s budget. Albert Gonzalez, president of the CSBA, emphasized the potential long-term risks, stating that the current method could set a precedent for future governors and legislatures to bypass the funding guarantee.
In response, Newsom’s office has defended the legality of the accounting adjustments, arguing that they were necessary to prevent potential budget cuts for schools in light of lower-than-expected general fund revenues. Joe Stephenshaw, the state’s director of finance, explained that the recalculated minimum funding guarantee for the fiscal year 2022-23 had decreased significantly, prompting the budget shift to protect school district and community college budgets.
Despite the current turmoil, Newsom has made significant investments in California’s educational system during his tenure, funding initiatives like community schools, improved meals, and mental health resources for students. This is particularly critical as students continue to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
California’s per-pupil spending has risen to above average levels, with the state spending $19,475 per student in the 2022-23 school year, contributing to an overall education budget of $134 billion. However, schools are now facing uncertainties as federal pandemic relief funds diminish, absenteeism rates remain high, and enrollment continues to decline, resulting in decreased revenue.
As schools work to maintain essential programs, such as tutoring and after-school activities, they also grapple with teacher shortages and increased salary demands to attract and retain qualified staff. The outcome of the lawsuit could have significant implications for the future of educational funding and resources in California.
