On May 18, 2007, at 10:00 a.m., Assembly Member Jim Beall, Jr., will speak at the Santa Clara County Superintendents’ Association Legislative Day on a diverse range of topics affecting schools in Santa Clara County.  Assembly Member Beall will be available to discuss education related issues before the event at 5175 Union Ave, San Jose, CA 95124, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 am.

Assembly Member Beall’s main goal for the event is to listen to the concerns of school adminstrators. 
He feels it is important to listen to those teaching our kids, and to not limit his view to policy experts.

“Without talking to school administrators, Legislators wouldn’t know how to help the next generation develop in a positive way,” said Assembly Member Beall in anticipation of the event.

Assembly Member Beall will discuss Assembly Bill (AB) 131, which expands the eligibility of the Middle and High School Supplemental Counseling Program to county offices of education.  This bill will provide over $3.6 million in additional counseling funding to foster kids, children with behavioral problems, and children in juvenile hall. 

“County offices of education serve the most difficult to teach students in the State.  These students need the academic and career counseling that AB 131 provides to help them understand how their education can lead to college and jobs,” said Assembly Member Beall.

Assembly Member Beall will also discuss his concerns regarding access to California’s colleges and universities.  UC and CSU student fees have risen to the point where some argue that these public institutions are no longer accessible to the public.

“Expanding access to higher education is necessary for the healthy economic and social development of the State,” stated Beall.

Assembly Member Beall will also discuss the “Getting Down to Facts” report and AB 127.  “Getting Down to Facts” looks at how California can reform public education to improve student outcomes, and increase equity in per pupil spending.  AB 127 will enact a statewide system of Weighted Student Funding, ensuring that State support for education will follow the student from school to school, thereby equalizing per pupil funding. 

“The Governor’s budget claims to increase per pupil spending to $11,562, or by about $300.  We all know that’s an average, that per pupil spending differs drastically across school districts.  AB 127 will ensure that State support for education goes to the student,” said Assembly Member Beall.