Los Angeles – California Charter Schools Association (CCSA) President and CEO, Myrna Castrejón issued the following statement on the passage of SB 820 schools growth funding cap legislation.
Said Ms. Castrejón:
“We thank the Governor and the legislature for providing a limited restoration of funding for new students in most growing classroom-based schools and districts with the passage of SB 820.
“However, the exclusion of funding for new students in nonclassroom-based charter schools from this bill is unjustifiable and discriminatory. This policy deviates from the state’s long-held principle of funding following students. Hundreds of successful online learning and virtual schools have already made enrollment commitments to students and families, secured facilities, and hired staff to accommodate projected student growth.
“By excluding growth funding for nonclassroom based charter schools, the legislature purposely and shamefully limited education choices for parents who are desperate to mitigate learning loss for their child during a national pandemic. The legislature has chosen to reward the status-quo district bureaucrats at the expense of California’s children.
“In response to the pandemic, many nonclassroom-based charter schools were quick to respond and offer their online and distance learning programs throughout the state to districts and families in need of support. They stood with families when they were in need, and we will continue to stand with them and fight for education funding equity.”