Don’t leave your child’s future up to chance

In February, California lawmakers voted to slash $8.4 billion from the $58.1 billion budget for public education. According to SFGate.com, the cut means “lowering per-pupil spending from $8,784 to $8,404 over the next two years.” (Read the entire article, Budget takes $8.4 billion from K-12 classes.)

Now, two propositions are on the ballot for a special election on May 19: 1) Prop. 1A, which increases size of state “rainy day” fund from 5 to 12.5 percent of the General Fund; 2) Prop. 1B, requires supplemental payments to local school districts and community colleges to address recent budget cuts in annual payments that begin in 2011–12. Prop. 1B would provide $9.3 billion to California schools.

The propositions are a move to close the state’s $42-billion dollar gap, which, obviously, has affected the state’s public education system. According to an April 22 L.A Times article:

“Educators say Proposition 1B is crucial for the state’s schools, which have weathered years of funding cuts. This year alone, more than 30,000 teachers, nurses, administrators and others received preliminary layoff warnings. Their fate–and that of the state’s 6.2 million pupils–will rest, in part, on the ballot measure.”

While our children’s fate may depend largely on this ballot measure, there’s something you can do today. Take Grow Your Green’s ‘Save 4 Your School’ challenge to make sure your child’s school can keep the important programs–music and sports– that they need. In fact, Tech CU may even match your donation, up to $1,000!

Because, as most educators agree, extracurricular programs such as music and sports help kids stay focused, develop character, learn about team work, excel in academics, and succeed in life. And they’re counting on you to save these programs. Take the Grow Your Green’s ‘Save 4 Your School’ challenge today!