Mmm… probably, yes. It is likely to be in trouble, especially if the current budget goes through.

California schools have frankly been facing some issues for a while. Despite that we used to have a great school system, according to a letter I got from my daughter’s school today, California currently spends about $1900 less per student than the national average, and they’re talking about a cut that would mean another $800 per student less.

Insanity! How do they expect teachers to work with so little?

My husband and I call it the continuing war against education in this state, because that’s what it feels like at times. We were both in college when huge cuts were made for the California State University system. One of my sisters had her entire major cut at the college she was at. And now things are looking that bad for our public schools too.

They’re talking 30 kids to one teacher in kindergarten classrooms, here. Up from 20:1.

If you’re a parent in California, or if something similar is happening in your own state, don’t just sit there and watch! The economy is rough all over, but there must be better ways for governments to handle their budget problems than this. Contact your State Senate and Assembly representatives, and let them know what you think.

And for those who say “Well, time to homeschool!” just remember that what happens to the public schools still matters. And if a recent court decision holds, homeschooling in California could be much harder to do anyhow. I don’t expect it to hold, especially since our governor is not so foolish as to agree with the judge, but it is a potential issue.

I love the school district we’re in now. It’s the best rated in the area, and my daughter has a wonderful teacher. But I don’t see how her school can keep up all the wonderful programs they have if this keeps up.

There’s still time for the state to work on this budget. Frankly, if they follow what is practically a California tradition, they’ll finish it late anyhow. But there needs to be better than this in it.