SLCs Make It to the State Budget

by Joseph Cook
Communications Editor
LA Chamber of Commerce/UNITE-LA

Controversial and complex, Governor Schwarzenegger's recent 2005-2006 budget proposal for California has at least one thing going for it: support for small learning communities.

While pundits and accountants argue over just how little the budget funds California schools in general, SLC supporters can take solace that the gubernator's administration "seeks to convert the State's largest elementary, middle and high schools into smaller learning environments or schools-within-schools."  It's not cash money, but perhaps it's a start toward better things.

The budget further states: "These smaller learning environments will provide a more effective learning experience and the opportunity for students and teachers to develop closer relationships.  The Administration intends to pursue these changes through the School Facility Program and also by making resources available for technical assistance and planning purposes."

At the end of September, Governor Schwarzenegger signed the School Facilities: New Construction and Modernization bill into law, setting aside $25 million of school construction bonds to encourage the building of new small high schools and the transformation of large high schools into smaller communities.  See our recent report about AB1465.

And for business and community supporters of small schools, the governor's budget also offered to "develop partnerships with foundations and the private sector to promote the use of small learning environments."