School Funding

I read with great interest the Nov. 26 article “Gaps Between Rich, Poor Schools Ignite Legal Fights,” which surveyed discrepancies in the funding of schools across the nation. I must disagree vehemently, however, with the contention that California has achieved virtual equalization in base school funding.

While the state Supreme Court’s Serrano decision went a long way toward achieving equal education funding for every child, it is an unfortunate fact that distressingly large discrepancies continue to exist.

For example, in San Joaquin County, Lammersville and Jefferson school districts are next to each other and both feed into Tracy Union High School District. Yet, Jefferson annually receives $400 more per pupil, or $12,000 for a class of 30. This situation is not unique.

As a constitutional right, and simply as matter of fairness, every public school student should have access to a quality education, and where a child happens to live should make no difference.

This year I carried SB-622, which sought to reduce differences in school funding between districts. The measure, supported by virtually all of the state’s major educational organizations and a large number of school districts, received not one negative vote in the Legislature. Unfortunately, the governor vetoed the bill.

I and other supporters of equalization plan to continue our efforts--both through legislation and possibly through legal action--to ensure that no child is denied the opportunity for quality education.

SEN. DAN McCORQUODALE, D-San Jose