ACSA_Jan 2021-22_Gov Budget Proposal Analysis_real.docx | Page 4 of 4
vaccines, while Prop. 98 funds should remain focused on directly supporting students and classroom
instruction. Furthermore, ACSA has concerns regarding the stringent timelines, COVID-19 testing
cadences and the requirement to collectively bargain extensive portions of the reopening plans.
Many districts will not be able to meet these requirements, which could lead to the grant program
exacerbating existing inequities. We are also concerned about the potential impact to schools that
are currently open and how the new guidelines could have unintended consequences on school
communities that manage to provide in-person instruction.
The Legislature now has the opportunity to weigh in. They will have to act quickly on the In-Person
Instruction Grant program and the learning loss initiative in order to give LEAs as much time as
possible to plan and prepare. A sizable contingent of prominent Assembly members has already
introduced legislation of their own related to school reopening. Their proposal is a more aggressive
approach to school reopening. These differences will have to be reconciled. Learning loss is another
priority of the Legislature. Both houses will have significant input in how these dollars are distributed
and on spending parameters.
The budget proposal marks the beginning of the funding conversation for the 2021-22 year. As
previously noted, unlike most years, negotiations related to multiple budget proposals (In Person
Instruction Grants and learning loss mitigation) will advance quickly. ACSA will be actively engaged
with both the administration and Legislature to ensure that the needs of students are met and will
keep you updated on developments.
The full budget summary can be found at http://www.ebudget.ca.gov/FullBudgetSummary.pdf
