Despite SBx5 1’s fast pace, several groups have been able to take positions on the open enrollment proposal. For example:

1. California School Board Association: Opposes the open enrollment provision because it (i) is an unreimbursed state mandate, and (ii) doesn't require a fully transparent selection process. Instead, it urges that this part of the bill be deferred to next year when there is more time to flesh out the details.
2. California PTA: Supports the bill if amended, expressing concerns about its open enrollment provision (i.e., it does not ensure students in low-performing districts meaningful access to information and transportation).

The PAUSD School Board has not publicly discussed or taken a position on this.

Advocacy Opportunity

Because of the emergency tag put on this legislation, there has not been the usual opportunity for citizens to educate themselves, reflect and comment.

But there is still time for PTA members to place calls and send letters to Ira Ruskin (our Assembly rep), Joe Simitian (our Senate rep), members of the Assembly and Senate’s Education Committees and the Governor (with an emphasis on the Assembly this week) asking them to either:

a. Oppose the open enrollment provision, or

b. Ask that it be taken up next year as a non-emergency bill.

Their email addresses and phone numbers are listed below.

You can write your own message or send something like this:

If you want to have the open enrollment issue considered in a non-emergency session next year:

Re: “Open Enrollment” Provision in SBx5 1/Related RTTT Legislation

I am writing to express opposition to an “open enrollment” provision being included in emergency legislation that will help California qualify for Race to the Top funds.  Open enrollment transfers are not required to obtain RTTT funding and so should be taken up only after its ramifications can be studied carefully, the legislation be better written, and California residents be given the opportunity to give meaningful input.

If you oppose open enrollment:

Re: “Open Enrollment” Provision in SBx5 1/Related RTTT Legislation

I am writing to express opposition to a mandatory “open enrollment” school system and request that those provisions be deleted from California’s Race to the Top proposed legislation.

My concerns are many, such as it will:

- Increase under-enrollment in some and overcrowding in other schools across the state,

- Have a negative fiscal effect on the budgets of both low and high-performing schools as well as the state government, and

- Grant special priorities to transfer students not afforded to students who live in the local attendance area.

Because Senate Bill x5 1 leaves many questions unanswered, it will cause significant uncertainty and disruption to schools and their existing voluntary transfer programs (like programs for children of teachers and for children in need from neighboring communities).

You’ll have to act fast. This proposed legislation could become law by Wednesday, December 9th.