TAKE ACTION NOW
Help Get the Facts Out
We need your help to make sure administrators, trustees and the public get the facts about career technical education — and the impact funding cuts for these programs will have on local students.
Here’s what you can do:
1. Send a letter to the editor to one of your local papers. We have included a sample letter to the editor for your own personalization and use. Please include your name and contact information when submitting to your local paper – they won’t print your contact information.
2. Send a letter to your local district administrators — including superintendents, principals, and school board members — to let them know why CTE classes need to be valued and protected, not cut.
3. Attend your local school board meeting and speak out during the public comment period about the necessity of maintaining CTE courses, and how they benefit students and your local economy.
The Truth about ROP Categorical Flexibility
The Governor, Legislature and ROP Funding Requirements
True: The State Legislature and Governor have cut back on some ROP funding
False: The State Legislature and Governor are forcing school districts to cut or close their ROP-funded vocational education programs.
Discussion: The State Legislature and the Governor did not specifically target ROP-funded vocational educational programs for closure. In fact, the Governor and many legislators recognize their value in ensuring students receive hands-on workforce training.
District Funding Flexibility and Public Input
True: Districts have the flexibility to redirect ROP dollars to non-CTE Programs — it’s a local decision
False: District’s can ignore or disregard public comment in making their ROP flexibility decisions.
Discussion: Districts are required by the State Board of Education to have local, public hearings justifying such reductions or transfers before CTE money can be directed to other programs. CTE teachers, parents, students and industry employers are allowed to speak out against such proposed transfers and must be heard.
Who Makes Career Technical Education Decisions?
True: School trustees have the power to decide to reduce or maintain career technical education programs.
False: School trustees can make their program decisions based solely on college preparedness.
Discussion: District officials are obligated under Education Code Sections 51224 and 51228 to provide a balanced curriculum including college preparation and career preparation.