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Superintendent urges community to press lawmakers on Prop 98 and district funding
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Fuentes told the board that a governor-proposed change could withhold about $4 million in guaranteed Prop 98 funding from the district and asked trustees and the public to advocate for flexible block grant language and restoration of guaranteed funds.
Superintendent Dr. Fuentes used his report to press the board and community for state-level advocacy as the May revise approaches, calling attention to two priorities: keeping a proposed discretionary block grant flexible and protecting the district’s guaranteed Prop 98 funding.
"For our district, it's a little over $4,000,000," Dr. Fuentes said, describing the amount the district could lose if the governor’s proposal to withhold some Prop 98 funds is enacted. He said the change creates a "loophole" that could allow guaranteed funding to be held back to address statewide deficits and that the assembly and senate have signaled agreement that the loophole should not be used.
Dr. Fuentes also noted potential cuts at the city level affecting the school liaison unit with the San Jose Police Department, which has played a role in safety-plan reviews and school-based prevention programs. He said district leaders have raised concerns with city council members and urged the community to monitor proposals that reduce safety-related partnerships.
He asked board members and parents to contact elected officials now — including the assembly member and state senator — to press for the district's funding and the flexibility to apply block-grant monies where needs are greatest. The district’s next budget calendar milestones and any further legislative developments will be reported to the board as they occur.
