SACRAMENTO, CA — California Charter Schools Association (CCSA) President and CEO Myrna Castrejón issued the following statement in response to Governor Gavin Newsom’s 2026-27 May Revision budget proposal to the Legislature:
“CCSA appreciates Governor Newsom’s continued commitment to California students and public schools through a May Revision that strengthens investments in education while improving the state’s overall fiscal outlook. The Governor’s proposal reflects a thoughtful and balanced approach that prioritizes stability, local flexibility, and long-term student success.
We commend the administration for increasing funding for the Local Control Funding Formula through both the statutory COLA and additional discretionary investments. At a time when schools across California continue to face rising operational costs and enrollment challenges, these investments provide meaningful support for schools serving students and families in communities throughout the state. We also appreciate the substantial increase in discretionary block grant funding, which recognizes that local educational leaders are best positioned to make decisions that meet the unique needs of their students.
CCSA strongly supports the May Revision’s significant additional investment in special education funding. Increasing the special education base rate will help schools better serve students with disabilities and provide greater stability for long-term planning and student support services. We also appreciate the continued investments in literacy, mathematics, teacher workforce development, and programs supporting students experiencing homelessness.
Importantly, we appreciate the Governor’s continued engagement on charter school audit and accountability reforms initiated through Senate Bill 414 last year. We look forward to reviewing additional trailer bill language and continuing to work collaboratively with the administration and Legislature to ensure accountability systems are fair, transparent, and focused on supporting high-quality educational opportunities for students.
California’s public schools continue to navigate significant fiscal and demographic challenges, but this May Revision demonstrates that sustained investment in education remains a statewide priority. CCSA looks forward to partnering with state leaders in the weeks ahead to advance policies that expand opportunity and improve outcomes for all California students.”
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About the California Charter Schools Association
The vision of the California Charter Schools Association (CCSA) is to build great public schools of joy and rigor that prepare all California students for success in college, career, community, and life. The mission of CCSA is to meet parent, educator, and community need for great public school options by supporting and advocating for high quality non-profit charter schools and sharing their success throughout California’s public schools. Learn more.