Educators Ready to Provide Additional Learning Supports to Students Who Have Struggled During Pandemic

SACRAMENTO—CTA President E. Toby Boyd issued the following statement regarding Gov. Gavin Newsom’s 2021-22 State Budget proposal.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the impact of historic disinvestment in California public schools. For the past eight months, California educators have advocated for enhanced safety standards for California’s schools, support for our most vulnerable districts and students, and the resources to safely reopen schools.

“We are encouraged by Gov. Newsom’s continued commitment to California’s students and working families as outlined in his state budget proposal today. Since the COVID-19 pandemic barreled into our lives, our driving concern has been and continues to be the safety of our students, their families and educators. To that end, educators have done the impossible to reach each student even with the age-old divide that continues to exist in our communities.

“The attention to the immediate needs of Californians comes at a critical time and we appreciate the budget plan’s support for struggling students, those with special needs, English learners and those who have housing insecurities. It is vital that we create safe learning environments for all students especially those most vulnerable amidst the worst surge of the pandemic. We eagerly await the day we can safely return to our classrooms where we know our students learn best and thrive.

“As California remains the nation’s COVID epicenter, CTA continues to support distance learning for schools that are in the highest, Purple Tier of transmission rates. We share many of the concerns that some superintendents and others have articulated about the structure and implementation of the governor’s proposed reopening plan, but look forward to continuing to work with the administration and the legislature on ensuring a safe reopening of all public schools.

“CTA members stand ready to provide additional learning supports to students who have been struggling during the pandemic. Together with parents and administrators we will work toward solutions that best meet the needs of our local students.

“We look forward to having conversations with both the governor and legislators about the proposed funding levels to pay down two-thirds of the deferrals, special education appropriation and services, and funding for UCs and CSUs.”

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The 310,000-member California Teachers Association is affiliated with the 3 million-member National Education Association.