LOS ANGELES – In a strong reaffirmation of its commitment to students, educators, and public education, the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education advanced Resolution 053-25/26, Protecting Proposition 98 Funding and the Constitutional Minimum Guarantee for TK–14 Public Education. The resolution calls on the State to fully fund and timely distribute constitutionally required education resources, emphasizing fiscal responsibility, transparency, and long-term stability for schools.
“Proposition 98 represents a promise to our students," said Board Vice President Dr. Rocío Rivas. “Delaying or withholding education funding puts real strain on our schools, and we will continue to advocate for the full resources our students are constitutionally owed,” said Board Vice President Dr. Rocío Rivas.
The resolution underscores the importance of Proposition 98 as a voter-approved safeguard that guarantees consistent funding for TK–14 education and highlights concerns with the State’s proposed 2026–27 budget, which delays $5.6 billion in obligated funding. It affirms that deferring these funds creates financial uncertainty for school districts and places additional strain on already challenged budgets.
“I am going to put it simply for Governor Newsom: give California schools the money they are entitled to,” said Board President Scott M Schmerelson. “There are many great examples of how LAUSD and the state legislature, along with the governor’s office, work together to provide quality programming to our students. However, withholding $5.6 billion dollars from those most in need is not acceptable just to balance a budget. This resolution is also a statement for anyone seeking the governorship in California: you cannot withhold money that the voters of California have already approved.”
“Protecting Proposition 98 is fundamental to ensuring stability and equity in public education across California,” Acting Superintendent Andrés E. Chait said. “These resources are not optional, they are the foundation that allows school districts to serve students, support educators, and plan responsibly for the future. At a time of fiscal uncertainty, the state must uphold its constitutional commitment to fully fund public education and protect the investments our students rely on every day.”
“Fully funding the Proposition 98 minimum guarantee is essential. We are calling on the State to honor its constitutional obligation and ensure our schools have the resources needed to support every student,” said Board Member Sherlett Hendy Newbill.
“Our students are entitled to the funding guaranteed by Proposition 98, and we will continue our advocacy efforts to ensure that these constitutionally protected funds make their way to our school communities to help our kids learn and thrive,” said Board Member Nick Melvoin.
“As we approach the Governor’s May Revision, we must intensify our collective advocacy for the release of Proposition 98 funds to ensure our public schools are fairly resourced. As a cosponsor, I respectfully call on the Governor to release these funds without delay, as they have a direct impact on our students, educators, and families, and are essential to the quality of education our students deserve,” said Board Member Karla Griego.
“We call on the State to invest in our public education system and ensure our constitutionally guaranteed Prop 98 funding. We need adequate funding to ensure our schools are safe, welcoming, and supportive places where all students can receive a high-quality education. That requires our full funding from the State of California,” said Board Member Gonez.
“The California constitution guarantees our students a free public education. We can’t meet our commitment without guaranteed funding. I stand with my colleagues and implore CA to release all of the minimum guarantee of Prop 98. We must ensure the next generation is ready for the future; We can only do that if we prioritize the funding of education,” said Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin.
Key provisions include urging the Governor and State Legislature to fully appropriate all funding owed under Proposition 98 in the Governor’s May Revision and final State Budget, ensuring that constitutionally mandated resources are delivered without delay. The resolution also emphasizes the need for responsible fiscal planning that addresses budget challenges without relying on deferrals that impact students and school communities.
Building on LAUSD’s commitment to equity, stability, and student success, the resolution highlights the District’s reliance on predictable funding to support nearly 400,000 students and warns that ongoing delays may increase the risk of staffing reductions and program disruptions. It further directs the Superintendent and the Office of Governmental Relations to advocate for full funding by engaging State leaders and education stakeholders.
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Contact:
Grace Medrano, (213) 503-0883, [email protected]