Before the Great Recession, California schools were required to provide 180 days of learning, the national average.
Since 2008, lawmakers have allowed a 175-day school year to save money.
Now, if voters reject the tax initiative in November, lawmakers and the governor are proposing a trigger-cut to allow school districts to reduce the number of school days even more – to 160 days, for two years. It’s part of a trailer bill expected to be in print by Monday.
That’s a terrible idea, but what big money-saving options are left? Laying off more teachers and packing 40 or more students into classrooms, like sardines?