08/13/2004 GAAS:348:04 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Print Version |
Governor Schwarzenegger Announces Settlement of Williams Case
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced a settlement in the Williams vs. California lawsuit at Edison Middle School in Los Angeles. The landmark reforms contained in the agreement will make significant strides in ensuring that California's school children get a quality education and have the opportunities they deserve. The agreement addresses qualified teachers for every student, an end to the shortened school calendar for some of the most over crowded schools, clean and safe school facilities and up-to date textbooks in core subjects for students.
"Today is a landmark day for California's neglected students. I am here to tell you they will be neglected no more," said Governor Schwarzenegger, who was joined by members of the state's education leadership, teachers, students and parties to the case. "When I learned about this lawsuit, I directed my staff to work with the parties to put an end to this suit without further litigation and expense and come to an agreement that puts the children first."
As part of the agreement, additional funding has been allocated to implement the settlement. $138 million will be provided for standards-aligned instructional materials in all core subject areas: math, English/language arts, science and history/social studies for schools in the lowest deciles and $50 million for implementation costs and other oversight-related activities. These two amounts are already included in the budget signed this past July by Governor Schwarzenegger. Additionally, up to $800 million will be provided for critical repair of facilities in future years.
In addition to financial elements, the agreement also includes:
- Phasing out shortened school years that the most crowded schools use.
- Guaranteeing schools will provide standards-aligned instructional materials to students no later than the fourth week of the school year.
- Increasing district accountability through data collection and public reporting on textbooks and facilities.
- Intervention by county superintendents or other state entities if districts do not meet the established benchmarks.
"I want to thank all the parties involved with the suit. They have all shown great determination and leadership in fighting for a better education for all of California's students," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "No issue is more important to me than education. California is the greatest state in the country, and we will make sure that our children will have the greatest public schools."
Edison Middle School is a Decile one, Concept 6 school, and one of more than 2,300 schools that will benefit from the settlement. Edison is also a participant in Arnold's All-Stars, an afterschool program whose mission is to provide Los Angeles middle school students with positive academic, recreational and cultural opportunities. The program seeks to reduce the influence of gangs, drugs and alcohol on inner-city students between 6th - 8th grades. Currently, Edison is one of four participating school sites along with Griffith, Bret Harte and Mulholland Middle Schools. There are currently 1,000 students attending the program daily. More information can be found about the Arnold's All-Stars website below.
Arnold's All-Stars
Williams Notice of Settlement
Williams Settlement Agreement
