The Education Trust—West Issues Response to Governor Brown’s January Budget

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

“The Education Trust—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 Education Trust—West
The Education Trust—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. 

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Karla Fernandez

Communications Manager

Karla Fernandez (she/her/hers) joins Ed Trust–West as a Communications Manager with over 11 years of experience advancing social impact initiatives.

Karla started her career as a teacher at Chicago Public Schools and UIC College Prep. After teaching, Karla joined United Friends of the Children to support LA County’s youth in foster care as a college counselor. Through Leadership for Educational Equity, Karla also served as a Policy Advisor Fellow for the office of a Los Angeles Unified School Board Member. She solidified her interests in policy analysis and quantitative research during her time with the Price Center for Social Innovation, the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles, and the USC Presidential Working Group on Sustainability. Before joining The Education Trust–West, Karla was the Associate Director for the Southeast Los Angeles (SELA) Collaborative, a network of nonprofits advocating for communities in SELA.

Karla holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology from the University of Chicago, a Master of Public Policy from the USC Price School of Public Policy, and a Graduate Certificate in Policy Advocacy from the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. Karla is based out of southern California and is passionate about using data analysis, communications, and digital strategies for policy advocacy and social justice efforts.