But State Superintendent says it reflects a lack of commitment
to education
By Lori Stuenkel
Gilroy – A budget agreement reached between Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and legislative leaders Tuesday could mean more money for local schools and city coffers.
One day after its approval, Gilroy officials had no details and little to say about the state’s 2005-06 budget revealed five days into the fiscal year, the quickest approval for a balanced budget in recent years.
In announcing the deal, the governor’s office emphasized the plan’s commitment to education, saying the budget represents the most money California has ever spent on kindergarten through 12th grade and higher education. At $61 billion, total education funding is the largest single chunk of the state’s annual budget.
Gilroy Unified School District Superintendent Edwin Diaz said he won’t know the impacts of the state budget on district schools until specific numbers come through.
However, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell on Wednesday released a statement that said the budget reflects a lack of commitment to education.
“In fact, this budget does not represent a significant increase in funding for our students,” O’Connell said. “It barely keeps our schools afloat at a time when many districts are facing serious budget shortfalls.”
He criticized Schwarzenegger for breaking an agreement he said was made last year under that would have provided schools with another $3.1 billion dollars.
Cities and counties, meanwhile, are due to receive $1.2 billion owed them by the state, which was repaying the debt from local governments a year ahead of schedule.
City Treasurer Mike Dorn said he understood the budget will have more money for cities, but said he does not know how much Gilroy might receive. He expects to have a better idea of the budget’s impact on city programs and services in two to three weeks, when the state treasurer’s report is complete.
“I have no idea what it is at this point, and even if we read (the budget) we might not understand it,” he said.
The $116 billion spending plan calls for no new taxes, as well as no new borrowing, and will cut the expected deficit.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
