SACRAMENTO — "While I am pleased that a budget will soon be signed by the Governor, I am disappointed that this budget represents, at best, status quo funding for our schools. The public should be aware that in this difficult budget year, our schools sacrificed more than $2 billion of the amount guaranteed them by the state Constitution under Proposition 98. That sacrifice lowers the funding to schools for several years to come, and at a time when the needs of our students are greater than ever. Moreover, this sacrifice represents money that will not be repaid to our schools. It will be a challenge for educators to maintain the gains we've seen in student achievement over the past five years without some additional revenue flowing to schools.

"This agreement comes in the midst of universal acceptance that California remains in fiscal crisis and sacrifice by all is, therefore, appropriate. However, the people of California are going to have to decide whether they are willing to invest in an education system that truly serves the best interests of our children by providing for world-class instructional programs at all schools. I look forward to having this discussion during the next budget cycle."