SBCSS News and Press Releases

County Superintendent Delivers State of Education Address

2005-02-01

SAN BERNARDINO – In his sixth State of Education address, County Superintendent Herbert Fischer called for the education community to rally against Gov. Schwarzenegger’s proposal to undo state-mandated funding for public education.

“The only way to secure the viability and quality of life for California is by maintaining a guarantee for schools in the constitution and providing the appropriate level of funding for our public schools that will secure this state’s most important resource, our students,” Fischer said.

Suffering statewide budget cuts of $9.8 billion over the last three academic years, California schools have been forced to meet more challenges with less. Cuts have taken the form of larger class sizes; elimination of programs like the arts and sports; and reductions in teacher recruitment, intervention programs, supplemental services and professional development.

This year, Gov. Schwarzenegger proposes putting another $2.2 billion on the chopping block, weakening the Proposition 98 guarantee and burdening school districts with $469 million in pension costs currently paid by the state.

“We agreed to $2 billion in cuts last year with the governor’s promise that more harmful cuts would be avoided in future years. This governor needs to stand behind his promise, not on the shoulders of public school students,” Fischer said.

His remarks concerning this year’s state budget proposals were among the topics he discussed in his address at the Sturges Center for Fine Arts. State Superintendent of Schools Jack O’Connell attended the address and introduced Fischer at the event.

Among the other topics Fischer discussed during his 40-minute speech were the accomplishments of county schools and districts, school safety, the preparation of students for college and the 21st century workforce and the impact of new mandates from the state concerning the Williams lawsuit and fiscal oversight legislation.

Accountability and Improved Academic Performance

Fischer noted that for the fifth consecutive year, statewide test scores have risen for San Bernardino County students. Although the gain in Academic Performance Index scores was not as great as it was in past years, Fischer called for public educators to remain “steadfast” in their commitment to boost student achievement.

“This is a long-term undertaking and it requires long-term commitment,” he said.

County students are closing the gap -- and in some measures exceeding -- in comparison with statewide measures:

For 2004, 60 percent of county schools increased their API scores in comparison to 63 percent statewide.

Last year, 94 percent of county schools improved their API scores compared to 90 percent statewide.

The countywide API average has increased 104 points to 690 since the first year of reporting in 1999.

Forty-one schools countywide achieved the state target of 800 or above, up from 37 last year and 30 in 2002.

Under the federal No Child Left Behind mandate for Adequate Yearly Progress, 61 percent of county schools made AYP goals for 2004 -- that’s more than double the amount that made it for 2002, the first year of federal reporting.

Safer Schools and Facilities

The countywide Gangs and Drugs Task Force is undertaking a comprehensive effort to reduce gang activities in communities and schools. Last year, two school safety summits were held to facilitate more cooperation between law enforcement and schools.

A big part of school safety lies with adequate facilities. In the past 18 months, county districts have received $813 million from the state school facilities program. “With the high rate of growth that many of our county districts and schools face, the funding to maintain and build schools remains critical to students’ success and safety,” Fischer said.

Preparation for the Future

Three P-16 Councils have been established countywide to provide a seamless transition for the education of students from preschool through college. The P-16 Councils are collaborative efforts of 21 county school districts, six community college districts and three universities.

The P-16 Council is an innovation that State Superintendent Jack O’Connell has called to adopt statewide.

Other highlights:

The high school graduating class of 2006 faces the requirement of passing the California High School Exit Exam in order to receive their diplomas.

In county state preschool programs, $5.1 million in state preschool funds last year have provided for 40 classrooms serving more than 2,000 preschoolers and their families.

The Alliance for Education, Advancement Via Individual Determination, Smaller Learning Communities, Regional Occupational Programs and Virtual Hi-Tech High are giving students access to businesses and advanced technology, as well as preparing them for college and the workplace.

“We will continue our partnerships, be innovators and promote ideas to answer the call for high school reform,” Fischer said.

Fischer also noted that county offices of education are being called upon to assume great financial oversight and Williams legislative requirements for districts.

“With these new responsibilities, we pledge not to lose sight of our tradition of service and our mission to keep students first and foremost. Our answer to this call is to support our districts so they can focus on the best educational outcomes for students,” Fischer said.

“The future of our state depends on the education legacy we leave. Together, let’s answer the call for our children,” Fischer concluded.