Budget Shortfall May Chop One Month Off Calif. School Year
LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Summer could come early for millions of California students if state lawmakers fail to place tax extensions on the ballot this fall to protect school funding.
KNX 1070's John Brooks reports classrooms may shave off one month — 20 instructional days — from next year's calendar if the cuts expire.
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Failure to extend the tax breaks would mean that $15 billion will have to be cut to balance the state budget as some of the state's largest districts -- including the LAUSD and its $408 million shortfall -- struggle to stay financially viable.
State law would have to be amended to lower the minimum number of school days from 175 days - a move that would also have to be approved by employee unions.
Republicans who have blocked putting the tax issue on the ballot suggest that Democrats are raising the possibility as a scare tactic to get the taxes approved.
Governor Jerry Brown is expected to outline deep cuts when he revises his budget later this month.
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