A new proposed ballot measure would require California and its school districts to provide all public school students with high-quality public schools.
The big picture: The proposal, which has been registered with Secretary of State Shirley Weber to start collecting signatures, was submitted by James Cowie of the organization Students Matter.
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- Students Matter advocates for high-quality public education to be a Constitutional right.
- Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa leads the Students Matter coalition, according to the organization’s website.
The ballot measure: The proposal would amend Article IX of the California Constitution to read as follows:
- “The state and its school districts shall provide all public school students with high-quality public schools, defined as schools that equip them with the tools necessary to participate fully in our economy, our society, and our democracy.”
- The measure does not define what “the tools necessary” means, nor does it provide any other information.
What we’re watching: Proponents are required to submit at least 874,641 signatures to Weber’s office by June 16, 2024.
