Community Corner

OP-ED from California PTA President: Pop Quiz on Prop. 38—One More Time

California PTA president provides information about Proposition 38.

If you are like most Californians, you know our schools are in trouble.

And you care deeply about YOUR local school.

But you have not had enough time to study the initiatives

Find out what's happening in Banning-Beaumontwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Here is a chance to learn more about Proposition 38—so that when you enter the voting booth, it does not feel like that dreaded pop quiz.

The California State PTA helped write and is supporting Proposition 38 to restore the programs and services that have been cut at all our local schools.

Find out what's happening in Banning-Beaumontwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Ready?

Let’s start.   (Don’t miss the question for extra points at the end!)

Here is the title of Proposition 38

TAX TO FUND EDUCATION AND EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS. INITIATIVE STATUTE.

Read the following quotes in italics from the Independent Legislative Analyst and then see if you can answer the quiz.

“Fiscal Effect

Around $10 Billion of Additional Annual State Revenues. In the initial years—beginning in 2013–14—the annual amount of additional state revenues raised would be around $10 billion. …The total revenues generated would tend to grow over time.

Distributes School Funds Through Three Grant Programs.

Proposition 38 requires that CETF school funds be allocated as follows:

Educational Program Grants (70 Percent of Funds). The largest share of funds—70 percent of all CETF school funding—would be distributed based on the number of students at each school. …Educational program grants could be spent on a broad range of activities, including instruction, school support staff (such as counselors and librarians), and parent engagement.

Low-Income Student Grants (18 Percent of Funds). The measure requires that 18 percent of CETF school funds be allocated at one statewide rate based on the number of low-income students (defined as the number of students eligible for free school meals) enrolled in each school. As with the educational program grants, low-income student grants could be spent on a broad range of educational activities. 

Training, Technology, and Teaching Materials Grants (12 Percent of Funds). The remaining 12 percent of funds would be allocated at one statewide rate based on the number of students at each school. The funds could be used only for training school staff and purchasing up-to-date technology and teaching materials.

Quiz

  1. Does Proposition 38 raise about $ 10 billion per year?
  2. Does Proposition 38 require the funds to be spent at each school based on the number of students?
  3. Does Proposition 38 provide extra funding for low-income students at their school?
  4. Does Proposition 38 help teachers with training, technology and teaching materials?

Answer:

Yes to all questions

QUESTION FOR EXTRA POINTS

How much money will your local school receive?

Click here to find out:  www.prop38forlocalschools.org/restore.

Now that you’ve taken the quiz, check back again to learn more about Prop 38.

Carol Kocivar is the president of the California Parent Teacher Association.


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