FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    December 12, 2007

CONTACT: Andre Levesque 916-648-1222

SACRAMENTO PUTS LOCALS IN HANDCUFFS

As a member of the Palm Springs Unified School Board of Directors, I have first-hand knowledge of the issues facing our education system.  The difficult challenges we face emphasize the importance of parents, teachers and administrators needing to work collaboratively with local school boards to find solutions.

California’s education problems are often complicated by the regulatory burdens placed on local school districts by the state legislature.  Each year, new statewide mandates and regulations are placed on local schools that further inhibit the ability of local districts to respond to local needs.   The fundamental program with this “cookie cutter” approach is it doesn’t take into account the diversity inherent in the 1,039 school districts in California.  What might be appropriate for a school district in Sacramento may have no relevance to a district in the Imperial Valley. 

For instance, this year, SB 406 by Senator Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento), sought to establish criterion that all districts must adhere to before a work permit is issued to a student.  Among other provisions, this legislation would restrict how many hours a student between the ages of 13-17 may work.  The intent of SB 406 was to ensure that students are meeting certain academic and attendance levels before the school grants them the ability to work after school. 

While this was a well-intended piece of legislation, the bill takes away the ability for local school boards to address the issue.  I fundamentally believe local school boards are better equipped to address this issue more effectively than Sacramento politicians.  For example, what if a school board member had a better idea to meet academic standards and attendance levels?  Under SB 406, that good idea would remain nothing more than a good idea as the school board’s hands are tied by Sacramento regulations.

I was pleased that Governor Schwarzenegger vetoed SB 406.  State legislators should not be tying the hands of locally elected school boards.  Those closest to the problem often have the best solutions.  In this case, Sacramento politicians didn’t know best and local school boards can still come up with a solution that best address their academic needs and attendance standards.  As an elected member of the State Assembly, I will oppose efforts to put our local school districts in Sacramento’s handcuffs. 

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