Educationally Speaking - Budget commitment to public education is vital

New Year’s Resolutions. I have to admit that I typically don’t make them because I think, “Why wait until a new calendar year?” Therefore, the following is to affirm [my] ongoing commitment and to encourage you to join me.

Student learning must be the highest priority in our schools. As part of this emphasis, students need to be held more accountable for their learning. In too many instances, the teachers are working harder than the students. This should not be the case. I will continue to strive to have teachers more actively engage students in learning and in being accountable for completing schoolwork and homework. I will do a better job of encouraging parents to hold students accountable.

The California state budget needs to be balanced and balanced now. I am convinced that the majority of the continuing cuts to public education are the result of citizens’ and legislators’ reluctance to make the tough decisions. Make the tough decisions and let us design educational programs and services within that financial framework. The continuing annual myth of an approved, balanced state budget continues to harm public education and many others. To accomplish this, I will increase my communication with legislators and encourage parent and community members to do the same.

Legislators and business people need to end the lip service they express regarding the value of public education. While money doesn’t solve or address all of the challenges our schools experience, the lack of money results in even greater difficulty in meeting expectations.

My resolve is as stated in the paragraph above. I will increase communication with legislators and encourage parent and community members to do the same.

With this in mind, here are the names and addresses of our governor and local representatives. I encourage you to contact them. My letters are in the mail.

Governor-elect Jerry Brown

c/o State Capitol, Suite 1173

Sacramento, CA 95814

Phone: (510) 628-0202

State Senator Joel Anderson

State Capitol

Sacramento, CA 95814

Phone: (916) 651-4036

Assemblyman Kevin Jeffries

Murrieta Office:

41391 Kalmia Street Suite 220

Murrieta, CA 92562

951-894-1232

951-894-5053 fax

Capitol Office:

State Capitol

Sacramento, CA 95814

916-319-2066

916-319-2166 fax

Senator Mark Wyland

Carlsbad Office:

1910 Palomar Point Way, #105

Carlsbad, CA 92008

Phone: (760) 931-2455

Fax: (760) 931-2477

Capitol Office:

State Capitol, Room 4048

Sacramento, CA 95814

Phone: (916) 651-4038

Fax: (916) 446-7382