Measure Provides $47 Million in Federal School Funding for Lowest Performing Schools

SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today issued a letter to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger urging him to sign Senate Bill 606 by Senate President pro Tempore Don Perata (D-Oakland) as soon as the measure reaches his desk. This bill allocates $47 million in federal funds specifically for intervention efforts at low-performing schools that serve low-income students.

"If this measure is not enacted, nearly $20 million of the funds will revert to the federal government. This would be the height of irresponsibility in a year when school district budgets are already in crisis," O'Connell said. "SB 606 recognizes that school improvement is not just about tough rhetoric, it about the tough work of implementing thoughtful and comprehensive reform. This measure will deploy teams of experts who will create change, classroom by classroom, in struggling schools. This is exactly the kind of aggressive intervention that I called for and the State Board agreed to earlier this year."

In his letter to the Governor, O'Connell wrote:

"SB 606 is consistent with our agreement in February 2008 and State Board of Education action in March 2008 and May 2008: It provides funding to local education agencies (LEAs) in corrective action to address program improvement needs pursuant to the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB). This measure also clarifies a methodology for reviewing student achievement data and making determinations of federally prescribed corrective actions and technical assistance for districts in program improvement.

"SB 606 appropriates $47 million of Title I Set-Aside funds, a portion of which will go to LEAs in program improvement under NCLB for District Assistance and Intervention Teams (DAIT) in school districts that are in greatest need and, when appropriate, for a trustee. Upon my recommendation, the SBE assigned a trustee to one LEA, required 44 LEAs to work with DAITs and required all LEAs to fully implement a standards-aligned curriculum including instructional materials and associated professional development.

"The DAIT teams have specific expertise to help districts make changes, including in the areas of teacher training, instituting and implementing new curriculum, sequencing, and fiscal management that all work together to improve student achievement. The goal of the intervention is to ensure that local school and district educators can work effectively toward improved student achievement, long after the immediate intervention efforts are over.

"A trustee's job is to ensure that the DAIT recommendations are implemented and tangible changes occur in a district. SB 606's delineation of a trustee's powers ensures that a trustee can be fully effective in making certain these changes take place and that they lead to better student achievement. SB 606 does not weaken or water down the agreed to intervention efforts.

"Nearly a year ago, in September 2007, I advised the Legislature of my concern that the state was at risk of reverting approximately $15 million in federal Title I set-aside funds. The situation is now critical. My staff advises me that the amount currently at risk of reverting has increased to $19 million if not appropriated — and spent — forthwith.

"With California's budget crisis already deeply impacting schools, the federal funds at stake are more vital than ever. They will help schools improve teaching and learning for some of our neediest children, including students living in poverty, those learning English, and those with disabilities. Withholding these funds would seriously impede the state's ability to leverage changes needed so that these schools will be able to effectively educate their students and close the achievement gap."