Will Prop. 30, Prop. 38 save California schools?

After thousands of pink slips, countless cut programs, and a state-wide budget slashed by a startling $18 billion, it isn’t hard to fathom that California’s dwindling educational system has been ranked 45th out of 50 states in spendings on public education per capita: a stifling statistic which renders our populous state’s educational budget among the lowest in the country.

So what happens now? How does California make up for the damage that has been done by this devastating economy?

Efforts to revitalize our educational system can be seen in Propositions 30 and 38. Even though both are determined to reboot California schools, they seem to have stirred up a bitter taste of political quarrel and discord.

Prop. 30, an initiative constitutional amendment supported by Governor Jerry Brown, temporarily increases taxes on annual earnings over $250,000 for seven years, and increases sales and use tax by 0.25 of a cent for four years. This intends to raise revenue for K-12 schools, higher education and public safety.

Prop. 38, an initiative statute supported by billionaire Molly Munger, increases personal income tax on annual earnings over $7,316, and provides funding for K-12 based on the needs of the local school board. During the first four years, Prop. 38 sets aside 60 percent of the revenue to K-12 schools, 30 percent to repaying state debt, and 10 percent to early childhood programs. After four years, it gives 85 percent of revenue to K-12 schools, and 15 percent to early childhood programs.

Prop. 30 and Prop. 38 are aimed at raising revenue to fund education, but differ in their ways of taxing and allocating the revenue made from that tax. So what do most people think? Here are the propositions some of the important voices from the Castro Valley community endorse.

“I fully support Prop. 30, and any proposition that increases the funding and quality of education. Prop. 30 is specific to funding education, but Prop. 38 is not as well written and does not guarantee that the revenue will go directly to education. Prop. 30 comes from the governor himself, which makes it more trustworthy. Prop. 38, however, comes from the very rich Molly Munger, which just makes me a bit skeptical, especially considering her brother is the one behind Prop. 32, a prop against unions,” said Ian Rodriquez, teacher and Castro Valley Teachers Association treasurer.

“Both Prop. 30 and 38 benefit education with funding through income taxes, but 30 includes state tax as well. The part I like about 30 is that it includes funding for public colleges, whereas 38 does not fund college, but funds early childhood programs. It’s hard to pick sides, because both are beneficial to California schools. Even if a person is voting and isn’t part of the educational system, it’s still important to vote because this affects their children, grandchildren, and the future of this country,” stated Suzanne Barba, a long-time member of the Eden Area League of Women Voters.

Although both are trying to support the same cause, it seems that the areas where funds would be allotted and the creators behind the props are the two main deciding factors of filling out that future-altering ballot. Will a quarrel over policy offset the track of the main goal of improving education?

CVHS Principal Mary Ann Valles gives a piece of vital advice before moving forward.

“It’s an important time to be involved in the political process, to participate fully, to be informed, and to be active to ensure that all our voices are heard,” said Valles.