California education officials, girded by the nationwide release Wednesday of $44 billion from the federal economic stimulus plan, are nevertheless worried that the state's share won't be enough or come in time to stave off widespread teacher firings and program cuts.
More than $4 billion of the money is expected to flow into California coffers in the first round of education funding from the stimulus package passed in Washington earlier this year.
"The speed with which it gets to us is critical, and that's largely dependent on the governor and the Legislature getting it out the door," said Charles Weis, superintendent of schools in Santa Clara County and president-elect of the Assn. of California School Administrators. "Given the cuts we've experienced in education this year, this won't even get us back to where we were last year. Best-case scenario, a portion of [the layoffs and cuts] will be rescinded."
"Every day is crucial for schools right now," added Darline Robles, Los Angeles County superintendent of schools.
The stimulus plan provides $81.6 billion for pre-K through high school programs throughout the nation. California's full share is expected to be $8 billion, potentially more if the state is successful in seeking competitive grants. On Wednesday, Education Secretary Arne Duncan released the first round of funding, with two additional rounds expected later this year.
California will soon receive $562 million for its neediest students and $634 million for special-education students. School districts will learn their share of those amounts in early May. The state must apply for its projected $3.1-billion share of "stabilization funds" that are intended to save teacher jobs and invest in education. That should take two weeks, and the federal government is expected to respond by mid-April.
California school and community college budgets were cut by $7.4 billion this year and will be cut by $3.2 billion next year under the state spending plan approved in February. Although the federal money will provide some relief, several variables in the coming weeks will determine whether California schools face further cuts.
In April, the state will begin receiving income tax receipts, which could be lower than normal because of the economy. On the May 19 ballot, two propositions would provide more than $9 billion for schools if voters agree to allow certain tax increases to be extended.
