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California State PTA Disappointed by Prop 13 Election Results – Looks to November Ballot to Secure Much-Needed Funding for Schools

SACRAMENTO, March 5, 2020 – California State PTA announces disappointment over the defeat of Proposition 13, which was not approved by voters in the state primary election on March 3rd. The passage of this initiative would have authorized state funding of $15 billion to K-12 public schools, community colleges, and universities for the construction and modernization of school facilities.

“We are disappointed that Prop 13 did not pass, as it would have helped our school districts respond to critical needs for funding to improve school facilities and modernize classrooms” said Celia Jaffe, President of California State PTA. “California State PTA will continue its long history of support for state ballot measures and legislation that provide much needed school facility funds for the safety and health of California’s children.”

In addition to providing an unprecedented $9 billion for the K-12 system and $2 billion for each of the three higher education segments (UC, CSU, and Community Colleges), this bond measure would have included important stipulations to create more equity in how funds are distributed between wealthy and poorer districts, and provided for natural disaster assistance, remediation of lead in water, protections for smaller districts, and funds for preschools.

“Fortunately, voters will have another opportunity to secure on-going classroom funding this November by supporting the California Schools and Local Communities Funding Act of 2020, which commits 40% of the projected revenue raised to increase funding for K-12 schools and community colleges,” said Jaffe. “Our hope is that this new initiative will have a positive impact on the ability of school districts to hire more teachers and diversify their curriculum to ensure a complete education that includes science, technology and arts education for all students.”

The California Schools and Local Communities Funding Act of 2020 aligns with PTA’s mission to advocate for the education, health and safety of children and families. California State PTA recognizes that appropriate and adequate funding directly impacts the success of students and communities across the state.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Heather Ippolito
Vice President for Communications
hippolito@capta.org

Ignacio Barragan
Assistant Executive Director
ibarragan@capta.org

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About California State PTA: California State PTA connects families, schools and communities. We are part of the foundation of our public-education system and a trusted messenger to millions of members, parents, families, educators and allied agencies throughout the state. PTA is the nation’s largest volunteer-led child-advocacy association working to drive improvements in the education, health and well-being of all children and families. For more information visit www.capta.org.