OAKLAND, CA (January 10, 2013) – The EdTrust—West issued the following statement in response to Governor Brown’s January budget release:

“The EdTrust—West applauds Governor Brown for his proposal to shift California’s school finance system to a formula that targets funding based on student need. We agree with the Governor that the current system is unjust, inequitable, and must be fixed.

Governor Brown’s proposal would correct deep funding inequities between rich and poor districts that we have documented in our research. It would simplify our complex, opaque, and antiquated system of funding our schools. Most importantly, by providing additional dollars for low-income students and English learners, it acknowledges the basic fact that students who enter school with additional needs require additional resources in order to close opportunity and achievement gaps. As the Governor refines his proposal, we encourage him to stay committed to ensuring that the additional funding generated by high-need students is used to support their needs. His plan should require districts to be transparent about school- and district-level spending, provide mechanisms for parent and community involvement (including maintaining school site councils), and hold districts accountable for improved academic outcomes.

We are ready and willing to work with the Governor and other advocates to ensure funding fairness for the sake of California’s students.”

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About The EdTrust—West
The EdTrust—West works for the high academic achievement of all students at all levels, pre-k through college. We expose opportunity and achievement gaps that separate students of color and low-income students from other youth, and we identify and advocate for the strategies that will forever close those gaps.