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SAN BERNARDINO – State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell joined local educators at a news conference Friday at Juanita Blakely Jones Elementary School to discuss the impact of the Governor's proposal to cut $4.8 billion in education funding and to suspend Proposition 98. These proposals have already led districts to make severe reductions in funding for vital school programs like music and art, advancement placement courses (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, and athletics.

"Over the past five years, California schools have been making steady gains in student achievement thanks to our high standards, effective reforms, and the dedication and passion of our educators," O'Connell said. "Today, this progress and the future of our students are in grave jeopardy."

Joining O'Connell at today's event were San Bernardino County Superintendent Herbert Fischer and San Bernardino City Unified District Superintendent Arturo Delgado.

"In San Bernardino County – with the Governors current budget proposal, our 33 school districts face cuts of more than $225 million," Fischer said. "Our schools and districts have worked very hard to improve student achievement with record numbers moving out of program improvement. This budget is a huge step backwards and does not represent the priority of the voters of this state."

"These proposed budget cuts come at a time when school districts are making tremendous educational progress and at a time when funding sources are critical to the continued success of our students," Delgado said.

"While I understand the Governor and the Legislature have tough decisions to make, these cuts to public education impact the morale of our education professionals, will increase class sizes, and leave our schools with fewer resources just when we are asking more of them than ever before," O'Connell said. "These budget cuts ultimately are a direct hit on the quality of the education we offer our students."