The California Association of Black School Educators (CABSE) applauds Governor Newsom for prioritizing school districts and education in his $227 billion 2021-22 State Budget. After the huge impact and additional demands placed on schools in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and corresponding budget cuts, it is greatly encouraging to see a proposed budget outline focused on student needs.
“This year’s budget highlights the critical need for additional resources and supports to safely get students back into the classroom,” said CABSE President, Hardy Brown II. “The Governor’s proposed budget includes the highest level of education funding that we have ever seen in California, with $85.8 billion in overall funding.”
CABSE is further encouraged by significant parallels between the priorities outlined in the state’s budget and the Blueprint for Educational Equity strategies. Prioritizing early education, college access, and afterschool programs are key components of our first strategy – “Applying a holistic ‘Cradle-to-Career’ lens to district-wide priorities and initiatives.” Further, investments in teacher training and enhanced support for student mental health and trauma-informed interventions are some of the pillars of our third strategy – “Challenging Inherent Bias & Promoting Positive Campus Climates.”
We further beseech the Governor to further enhance the impact of this investment by increasing funding for school districts reeling from the multitude of inequities that the pandemic has exacerbated. “The proposed January budget is a great first step and an excellent down-payment in returning our schools to a semblance of normalcy,” said CABSE Founder, Micah Ali. “One of the most exciting aspects of this year’s budget was how well it synced up with the strategic priorities that we outlined in our Blueprint for Educational Equity.”
This is an excellent first step but more always remains to be done. Our hope is that the state chooses to place an emphasis on fostering equity and addressing disparities while implementing these funding priorities. Our students deserve nothing less than our complete dedication to providing full access to educational opportunities.