State budget update has good news for schools

Education officials are pleased with a revision of the 2006-'07 California budget by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who included more money earmarked for schools from his winter proposal.

"I think students and schools are the winners in the governor's May revise," said Mike Patterson, political-action chair for the South Tahoe Educators Association and a council member for the California Teachers Association.

Last week's announcement is a routine modification to the governor's proposed budget released in January. Total funding for kindergarten to twelfth-grade public education would total $67.1 billion under Schwarzenegger's plan, according to the governor's office.

More money came from $4.8 billion in surpluses this year. Schwarzenegger said he wants to use the extra money to pay down debt and increase education funding.

The money would help cover funding levels tied to Proposition 98, which guarantees money for public education, and middle and high school counselors while expanding the Arts and Music Block Grant. Nutrition for healthy students is another highlight.

Initiatives for one-time use include funds for teacher materials, physical education equipment, tools for English-language learners and materials to help students pass the California High School Exit Exam.

The passage of the exam as a graduation requirement has come into jeopardy after a judge ruled it was discriminatory.

The Cost of Living Adjustment category was increased from the January proposal, meaning schools will see a boost in coffers. Patterson said Lake Tahoe Unified School District should use the money for improving teachers' salaries.

Teachers in the district received a pay raise of 0.7 percent last summer.

"Our teachers have gone a long time without seeing much of the Cost of Living increase," Patterson said. "We certainly hope that the district will pass the Cost of Living increase it's getting from the state onto the teachers because that's what it's for."

Francie Heim, deputy superintendent at El Dorado County Office of Education, also appreciated the additional funds. Although she admitted she hasn't yet digested the governor's new proposal, Heim had reservations about education money aimed for one-time use.

"When you provide one-time dollars it's not like you can impose new programs and hire new staff," she said.

Patterson echoed Heim's sentiments.

"I don't ever try to speak for administration but I don't think anybody is really in favor of one-time money or money that's earmarked for certain things but all school districts don't have the same needs," he said.

Schwarzenegger also provided more money to the California Community College system. Guy Lease, president of Lake Tahoe Community College, said an increase to the Cost of Living Adjustment equals an additional $60,000 for the college "which is certainly welcome."

Lease also mentioned money for building and maintenance as well as general funds he hopes will trickle down to the South Lake Tahoe college.

Lease used the opportunity of the May revise to talk about gathering support for SB 361 by California State Senator Jack Scott, D-Pasadena.

The bill, stuck in legislative limbo after an appropriations hearing was postponed in August, would help equalize state funding for the small college financially hampered by declining enrollment.

Scott, Lease said, is also the school's graduation speaker.

Of course, Schwarzenegger's budget plan is a proposal and must be approved by the state Legislature.

"It's all sort of conversation right now but it certainly (is a sign) the governor is making education a priority," Heim said.