Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Prop 98 Funding topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
San Diego Unified urges release of $3.9 billion in Proposition 98 school funds, highlights student testimony
Summary
In a superintendent's report, San Diego Unified called on Governor Cuomo and the Legislature to release $3.9 billion in withheld Proposition 98 funding and featured student testimony about the impact of school programs and services on college and career readiness.
San Diego Unified Superintendent Mr. Wet used his report to urge Governor Cuomo and the California Legislature to release the remaining $3.9 billion in Proposition 98 funds, saying the district’s budget is balanced but that the withheld funding creates uncertainty for schools.
“We must continue advocating for the resources necessary to support [students'] success,” Mr. Wet said, adding that trustees and district leaders had stood with educators, students and families in calling for the funds to be released “without further delay.”
The superintendent introduced student testimony from Lincoln High School. Jasine O’Hara, a rising junior who said she is a first-generation, low-income Latina, described programs that helped her navigate college applications and argued for fully funding Proposition 98. “Prop 98 isn’t a piggy bank to borrow from. It’s the minimum funding the California voters protected,” O’Hara said.
O’Hara told the board that programs such as Upward Bound—“a federally funded program supported by the U.S. Department of Education”—provided college-application help, financial-aid guidance and college tours at no cost. She contrasted the estimated cost to educate a child (about $18,534) with a cited figure for incarceration ($127,800) to underscore her claim that funding priorities should favor education.
Why it matters: Proposition 98 sets a minimum funding guarantee for California schools; local leaders said releasing the withheld funds would let districts invest in programs, services and supports intended to boost student wellness, academic skills and college and career readiness. The superintendent framed the request as preserving resources that allow students to “learn and thrive.”
There was no board vote linked to the appeal; the report concluded and a board member thanked Mr. Wet.
Next steps: District leaders said they will continue advocacy with the governor and Legislature. No formal action or vote was recorded on the record during the superintendent’s report.
Sources: Superintendent’s report and student testimony presented to the San Diego Unified board.
