UNPRECEDENTED economic challenges and a dysfunctional state budget process have resulted in great uncertainty and significant cuts for education and other vital services in our state.
For education alone, over $31 billion has been slashed from school budgets since 2009 even while additional programs were being required, but not funded, by the state.
On Nov. 6, as the voters of California, we finally have an opportunity to help in setting our state on a pathway to fiscal solvency while also honoring the constitutionally mandated minimum funding to our schools envisioned when Proposition 98 was approved by voters in 1988.
In addition, the state will be required to begin repaying the funds that were "borrowed" from education as part of the balancing act for previous budgets.
Our opportunity to act is Proposition 30, the forthright proposal from the governor about what is needed and what will happen should it fail.
Our local legislators support the governor's efforts.
Proposition 30 will help us accomplish the following:
Invest in our schools and colleges to prepare the next generation for jobs in the 21st century and prevent another $5 billion to $6 billion cut to public education.
Honor state funding commitments to levels required by the state constitution through Proposition 98.
Begin repaying money "borrowed from schools" in previous budgets.
Provide much needed funding for early childhood education and public safety.
Guarantee that funds cannot be touched by the legislature and cannot be used for any purpose except schools and public safety.
Provide for a public audit when funds are allocated.
Take steps to create a healthy fiscal future by paying down the state debt and funding the shift of services from the state to local entities.
Should we fail to pass Proposition 30, we can anticipate the following for our schools:
"Triggered" reductions in the state budget that will cost schools $5 billion to $6 billion starting in January 2013, the current school year.
Perpetuation of California as 50th in the nation in terms of ratio of teachers to students and 46th or lower in our expenditures per student.
Larger class sizes.
The real possibility of a school year reduced by 15 days.
Even fewer guidance counselors, librarians and other support staff to further lessen the available support students require to meet their educational needs.
Additional reductions of elective classes and programs that provide our children with a quality, well-rounded education.
Proposition 30 will require some contributions from all of us. The wealthiest (individuals earning over $250,000 and families earning over $500,000) will be asked to pay an additional 1 percent in state income tax for seven years. Everyone will be asked to pay an additional one-quarter of one cent in sales taxes for four years.
In Marin County, our residents have been visionary in supporting public education by maintaining programs through parcel taxes and foundation fund-raising. Buildings have been upgraded and equipped through bond measures.
Yet, state cuts have been so severe that without the passage of Proposition 30, our local efforts simply will no longer be enough to sustain the highest quality education for our students. Our local schools face a potential loss of almost $9 million—cuts that will take effect during this current school year, and these cuts will be ongoing. (For example, our largest district in Marin County will lose over $3 million, or $444 per student.)
When gridlock and partisanship paralyze the ability of elected leaders to act, our children and young people become the unintended victims by being denied the chance for an education that will equip them for a productive 21st century life.
Other industrialized nations, both our friends and potential foes, are increasing school days, focusing on producing engineers, architects, physicians and increasing all vocational training.
We are doing the opposite.
Let us take this opportunity to act and join together to support our schools — the historical foundation of our democratic way of life and our hope for a better economic future and a more just society. Anything we do in education should be guided by one basic question, "Is it good for kids?" Proposition 30 meets that test.
We ask you to join us in supporting its passage.
Mary Jane Burke is Marin County Superintendent of Schools. Thomas Lohwasser is superintendent of the Dixie School District and president of the Marin Association of Superintendents. David Wain Coon
is College of Marin's president and superintendent.