California State PTA Prepares Action Plan

Three important initiatives lead the way for investing in children
Now is the time for action to help California's more than 9 million children. California State PTA is leading the call for action with three important initiatives. We'll be telling you more about each of these in the coming days and weeks.

Here is a brief look at what we have planned.

1. PTA Opposes Additional Cuts in Governor's Proposed Budget for 2010-2011

Soon you will receive materials for California State PTA's "9 Million Reasons To Speak Up" campaign, which will include a fact sheet and action plan to assist PTA members in speaking up for the more than 9 million children in California who need our voice to be heard in opposition to further cuts to education and critical children's services.

2. PTA SUPPORTS Qualifying the "Local Control of Local Classrooms Funding Act" for November 2010 Ballot

On January 30, the California State PTA officially endorsed the "Local Control of Local Classrooms Funding Act." If qualified for the November 2010 ballot and approved by voters, the act would lower the threshold for passage of local school funding measures to 55 percent (just like school bond measures), from the current two-thirds, provided certain conditions are met. PTA members are being urged to sign the petition to qualify this measure for the ballot at www.improvedschoolfunding.com and to actively participate in gathering the approximately 1 million signatures that the measure needs to qualify by early April. Click here for guidelines on PTA participation in this important process and how you can be part of it. Click here to read our recent press release on this initiative.

3. PTA To Join School Finance Lawsuit Against the State

On January 30, the Board of Managers approved California State PTA's participation as a plaintiff in a pending school finance lawsuit against the State of California. California State PTA will join the California School Boards Association and the Association of California School Administrators as principal plaintiffs in this case. Because the case has not yet been officially filed, we are not able to release specific details. They will be forthcoming once the case is filed, most likely in the spring.

Please stay posted, by going to our website - www.capta.org - and by encouraging everyone you know to join in our efforts. We must work together to protect the well-being of our children today and tomorrow - and the future of our state. Click here to find out more about how everyone can join the California State PTA.