State Schools Chief Tom Torlakson Comments
on Governor's State of the State Address
SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson issued the following statement today on Governor Brown's State of the State Address (Outside Source):
"The Governor's speech made it clear that our schools need a financial rescue plan.
"Students, parents, and teachers are struggling daily to cope with the cuts made over the last four years. New revenues are the only way to prevent additional cuts that could force more districts to further shorten the school year or fall into state receivership. A ballot measure to protect school funding is a critical first step.
"I am heartened by the Governor's call to re-examine state testing requirements. Like many teachers, I have long argued that students need to spend more time learning and less time taking exams.
"I'm looking forward to working with him and the Legislature as it weighs the many choices to be made. I'll be arguing strongly that we need to maintain child care as a learning experience for children, protect the state's constitutional school funding guarantee, and shield schools from another round of deep trigger cuts.
"Education is our future, whether or not you have children in school. I welcome the chance to talk with Californians about the opportunity to invest in our schools again."
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Tom Torlakson — State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Communications Division, Room 5206, 916-319-0818, Fax 916-319-0100
Communications Division, Room 5206, 916-319-0818, Fax 916-319-0100