Criticizing the Schools

In a letter (Nov. 13) Rep. Robert Badham (R-Newport Beach) stated, “Deukmejian is criticized for not paying enough attention to education. But the numbers tell a different story: Nearly 40% of the governor’s 1987-88 budget was directed toward K-12 education, up from 36% five years ago.”

In fact, the portion of the 1987-88 budget directed toward education is 37.8%--up less than two percentage points from five years before, about half as much as “nearly 40%” implies. More important than the exact percentage, however, is the simple fact that this year’s per student funding for K-12 education, after adjusting for enrollment growth and inflation, is $30 lower than last year’s.

BILL HONIG

Supt. of Public Instruction

Sacramento