• Raise Your Voice for Our Youngest Learners: See Our Flyer and Draft Advocacy Letter Below!

flyer

  • [Your Name]
    [Your Address]
    [City, State, ZIP]
    [Email Address]
    [Phone Number]

    February 10, 2025

    Governor Gavin Newsom
    1021 O Street, Suite 9000
    Sacramento, CA 95814

    State Senator Mike McGuire
    1021 O Street, Suite 8518
    Sacramento, CA 95814

    Assemblymember Damon Connolly
    State Capitol
    P.O. Box 942849
    Sacramento, CA 94249-0012

    Dear Governor Newsom, Senator McGuire, and Assemblymember Connolly,

    I am writing to you as a [parent, educator, community member], who is deeply concerned about the growing inequities in the funding of educational programs, particularly for transitional kindergarten (TK). As we all know, TK is a critical early education program that serves as the foundation for students' academic and social development. However, the current funding structure has created significant challenges for community-funded districts such as ours.

    One of the primary concerns is the disproportionate funding allocation for TK between districts that rely on Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) and those that operate as community-funded districts. While LCFF districts receive full state funding for all grade levels, including TK, community-funded districts are left to shoulder the financial burden without additional state support for transitional kindergarten. This situation results in an increasingly unsustainable disparity, with community-funded districts like ours being forced to make up the difference—often at the expense of other important programs and services.

    The impact of this disparity is becoming increasingly difficult to manage. Community-funded districts are being asked to do more with less—facing rising costs for staff, facilities, and services, all while being expected to maintain equitable opportunities for all students. At the same time, LCFF districts receive a much-needed boost in funding that allows them to support their programs without such pressure. This is creating an unfair educational environment, where the ability to provide a high-quality early education depends on a district’s funding model, rather than the needs of the students.

    We urge you to address this inequity by advocating for full state funding of transitional kindergarten for all districts, regardless of their funding model. TK should be equally available to all students in California, and it should be fully supported by the state. No district should be required to face this growing challenge without the necessary resources to provide a robust and sustainable program.

    We also encourage your support in ensuring that all districts, regardless of their funding status, have the tools and resources necessary to offer a high-quality education for every child, particularly in early childhood education, where the impact can last a lifetime.

    Thank you for your attention to this critical issue. We look forward to your support in ensuring a more equitable and sustainable future for all of California’s students.

    Sincerely,

    [Your Full Name]
    [Your Title]
    [Your District or Organization Name]