Public Schools. Permanent Class Size Reduction. Parent-Teacher Councils. Teacher Credentialing. Pupil Suspension for Drug Possession. Chief Inspector's Office. Initiative Statute.
	Rebuttal to Argument in Favor of Proposition 8

If Prop. 8 would improve our children's education, we'd be first in line to support it. Make no mistake: Prop. 8 would HURT-- NOT HELP--OUR SCHOOLS.

Some of Prop. 8's provisions merely restate existing policies; others are downright harmful to children, parents and taxpayers.

CLASS SIZE AND DRUG POLICIES ALREADY EXIST

Schools already have a class size reduction program and zero tolerance policy for drugs.

BIGGER, LESS ACCOUNTABLE BUREAUCRACY

Prop. 8 steals money from the classroom and existing education programs to triple the size of school bureaucracy.

INCONSISTENT AND CONFLICTING ACADEMIC STANDARDS

Prop. 8 creates a new school governing system that flies in the face

of existing parent councils and statewide efforts to improve student achievement. It authorizes 8000 new committees (not elected by taxpayers) to spend tax-dollars and set 8000 different local academic standards at odds with new uniform state standards (the most rigorous in the nation).

BAD FOR TEACHERS

Prop. 8 gives principals new, unchecked power to remove teachers from their school without a hearing or any form of due process. It puts good teachers at risk of being the victim of petty politics and personality conflicts while doing nothing to improve teachers who need help.

DIFFICULT TO FIX

Future changes to fix Prop. 8's problems would require another initiative or an 80% vote of each house of the Legislature and the signature of the Governor.

SAY NO to MORE BUREAUCRACY and LESS ACCOUNTABILITY! Our kids deserve better! Keep education dollars IN the classroom! VOTE NO!

STEVE BOCK
California Teacher of the Year, 1997 AL ANGELE
Executive Director, California Organization of Police & Sheriffs MIKE SPENCE
Chairman, California Taxpayer Protection Committee