Dear Evergreen Community,
Happy New Year! As we step into 2025, I want to share key updates regarding new education policies, budget developments, and local initiatives that will impact our schools and community.
New Education Laws Effective January 1, 2025 Governor Gavin Newsom has signed several important bills that will shape California’s education landscape:
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AB 1939 – Enhances student consultation in school attendance review board (SARB) processes to address attendance and behavioral challenges.
AB 2165 – Strengthens financial aid opt-out requirements to ensure families receive adequate counseling before declining FAFSA or CA Dream Act applications.
SB 691 – Mandates districts to notify parents of student truancy and provide access to support services.
AB 2565 – Requires interior locks for rooms housing five or more individuals in modernization projects starting January 2025.
AB 2998 & SB 997 – Permits students aged 12 and older to carry opioid reversal medications and fentanyl test strips on campus.
SB 1063 – Adds county mental health agency website URLs to student ID cards.
SB 1288 – Forms an AI working group to establish guidelines for safe and effective use of artificial intelligence in schools.
For a full list of new education laws, visit the California Department of Education website here.
State Updates on Educational Budget
Gov. Gavin Newsom on Jan. 6 released a brief preview of his January Budget Proposal, which included $4.4 billion for before-, after- and summer school funds as well as $2.4 billion for universal transitional kindergarten, $2 billion for universal school meals and $1 billion for arts and music funding. While the Governor did not provide much detail, he did share two overall estimates. First, Proposition 98 is estimated to be $118.9 billion for TK-14 public education. Second, the statutorily required cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is estimated to be 2.43 percent.
California School Board Association (CSBA) has been engaged in behind-the-scenes discussions, advocating for any additional funding to go to the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) base; an annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) that is sufficient to cover any growth in expenses; a statewide fund or insurance pool to act as a backstop against financial damages stemming from Assembly Bill 218 litigation that inhibit a local educational agency’s ability to support current students; and more. CSBA made these points and more in its annual budget letter to the Newsom Administration and will ask membership to reinforce this messaging during the association’s 2025 Legislative Action Week from March 11-13 (register here).
California School Boards Association (CSBA) Priorities:
State Budget and Educational Funding Updates Governor Newsom’s preliminary 2025 budget proposal includes:
$4.4 billion for expanded before-, after-, and summer school programs.
$2.4 billion for universal transitional kindergarten.
$2 billion for universal school meals.
$1 billion dedicated to arts and music programs.
The California School Boards Association (CSBA) continues advocating for increased Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) base funding and prioritization of cost-of-living adjustments (COLA). Legislative Action Week (March 11-13) offers a prime opportunity for advocacy—register if interested!
Invest in the LCFF base grant to help all LEAs
· Stay true to the goals and purpose of the LCFF
· Prioritize fully funding the LCFF COLA over the creation of new programs
· Invest additional dollars into the LCFF base
· Uphold the constitutionally required Prop 98 guarantee
Federal Education Related Updates
Challenges and Uncertainties from the state:
· Federal Policies and Economic Uncertainties: The budget acknowledges potential challenges from federal policies and economic uncertainties, with a focus on flexibility and adaptability.
Supporting undocumented students from Dep of Justice:
· Know Your Immigration Rights[88].pdf (guidance for parents, in part stating that information about citizenship or immigration status is never needed for school enrollment)
· Promoting a Safe and Secure Learning Environment for All: Guidance and Model Policies to Assist California's K-12 Schools in Responding to Immigration Issues (prepared to help school districts comply with state law limiting state and local participation in immigration enforcement activities)
Opportunities:
Register for Legislative Action Week, March 11-13th, 2025
Register for Coast 2 Coast, April 28-30th, 2025
Santa Clara County Updates
The Santa Clara County of Supervisors is located at 70 West Hedding Street San Jose, CA 95110. Santa Clara County remains committed to providing essential services such as:
Support for basic needs, including food, housing, and financial assistance.
Public health and safety initiatives.
Resources for businesses and property owners.
Key county developments:
Finalized purchase of Regional Medical Center to enhance healthcare access.
The Public Health Department is offering free car seats to qualifying families.
Silicon Valley Reads 2025 is now in progress!
The 24/7 Hotline (408-290-1144) remains available for real-time support regarding ICE activity and community assistance.
City of San Jose Updates
Office of Mayor Matt Mahan
200 E. Santa Clara St. San José, CA 95113
(408) 535-4800
The Mayor Matt Mahan’s office has outlined major achievements from 2024, including investments in public safety, housing, and economic growth. More details will be available in upcoming community meetings. The Mayor office has shared a snapshot of a few of our accomplishments in 2024 of which we should all be proud:
Get Involved: I encourage our community to stay informed and engaged. Your participation is essential in shaping the future of our schools and neighborhoods. Wishing everyone a fantastic start to the new year!
Best regards,
Mary Hiền Pollett
Board President, Evergreen School District
Chief Business Official, Millbrae Elementary School District
Former Principal, Yerba Buena High School
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