Monday, June 10, 2013

Democrats reach compromise on plan to divvy up public school funds | Pass / Fail | 89.3 KPCC

Democrats reach compromise on plan to divvy up public school funds | Pass / Fail | 89.3 KPCC:

Democrats reach compromise on plan to divvy up public school funds

California Governor Jerry Brown Unveils State Pension Reform Program

Max Whittaker/Getty Images

California Governor Jerry Brown and lawmakers get closer on budget.
Legislative leaders and Governor Jerry Brown were closing in on a budget deal Monday after reaching a compromise on a new funding formula for public schools. 
If it holds, state lawmakers should be able to pass a state spending plan by the June 15th deadline.
Under the compromise, all schools districts in California are expected to get more funding next year than this past school year.  
Districts where 55 percent of the students are English learners or low-income will get an extra infusion of cash to help level the playing field for those students. Brown fought to keep this concentration grant—but it’s smaller than he originally proposed. 
"It appears that the Governor and the legislative leadership were able to accomplish a compromise that does aim to increase funding across the board but still prioritizing and protecting funding for the neediest students," said Edgar Zazueta, director of th