Amid anticipated California budget shortfall, Gavin Newsom doubles down on universal TK

California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Tuesday reaffirmed his commitment to universal transitional kindergarten, despite a projected $22.5 billion funding shortfall.

His proposed budget for 2023-24 calls for $1.2 billion in ongoing spending for universal TK, with an eye toward ramping that up to $3 billion once the program is fully in place.

Transitional kindergarten is intended to provide a pre-kindergarten experience for California 4-year-olds that “blends social and emotional experience with academic learning,” according to a factsheet from Early Edge California. Currently children who turn 5 between September and Feb. 2 are eligible.

The state is phasing in the program, with tens of thousands of California 4-year-olds set to attend class next fall. It is expected to be fully operational by fall 2025, with every California 4-year-old eligible.

“Priorities are priorities, you try to work to advance them,” Newsom said when asked whether he would commit to continuing to fund the TK program even in the event of recession. “...Even if some things are modestly delayed, they’re not denied.”

In addition, the governor called for the state to spend $1.3 billion for universal school meals, building on the 2021 law signed by Newsom that established the program at California schools.

Overall, Newsom called for a slight increase in per-student spending in his budget.

The budget calls for nearly $109 billion in constitutionally mandated funding required by Proposition 98.

“How does that break down per pupil? Higher than it’s been. Period. Full stop,” Newsom said at a Tuesday press conference.

The budget calls for spending $23,723 per student, including $17,519 in Prop 98 funds. Last year, it was $22,893. Twelve years ago, the state Prop 98 funds amounted to just $7,003 per student.

“So we have seen significant increase in per pupil investments,” he said.

In other K-12 spending, Newsom announced his proposal to spend $3.3 billion on educator workforce recruitment, retention and training, a $2.3 billion block grant for arts and music, and a $300 million “equity multiplier”

“The funds are intended to augment resources to support the highest-needs schools in the state, and highlight the importance of equitable allocation of resources by local educational agencies,” according to the budget summary document.

This story was originally published January 10, 2023 at 10:35 AM.