Sacramento Scene: A Closer Look at California's Proposed Budget

By Matt Patton, CATA Executive Director

The California Governor's proposed budget for 2024-25 was released in early January. Despite facing a projected $38 billion deficit, the budget remains optimistic. Governor Newsom plans to employ the following strategies to overcome the budget deficit:

• Draw on the Rainy Day fund ($13.1 billion)
• Internally borrow ($5.7 billion)
• Reduce spending ($8.5 billion)
• Delay spending ($3.4 billion)
• Reallocate funds ($5.1 billion)
• Defer spending obligations to the next budget ($2.1 billion)

Now, the public and the legislature will scrutinize the proposed budget. Governor Newsom will issue the revised budget in May based on public input and revised tax numbers. A budget bill must be agreed upon, passed by the legislature, and signed by the Governor by June 30.

Proposition 98

Proposition 98, which covers the K-12 education portion of the budget, is hyped by the Governor to target investments in community schools, universal school meals, expanded learning opportunities, education workforce, and universal transitional kindergarten.

Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF)

Despite a 0.76 percent cost-of-living adjustment causing a decrease of $1.4 billion in discretionary funds for Local Education Agencies (LEAs), the proposed budget fully funds the LCFF. The gap will be bridged by withdrawing from the Public School System Stabilization Account in 2023-24 and 2024-25.

Career Education

Did you notice the removal of the word “technical?”

The budget's emphasis on career education highlights cross-agency collaboration and teacher apprenticeship programs. Proposals include creating an Elementary Arts and Music Education authorization for CTE teachers, broadening pathways for arts instruction, and reinforcing CTE in grades 7 through 12.

In summary, the proposed K-12 educational budget does not include major reductions in any one area. It remains to be seen if projected tax income and legislative input will alter the plan in May and June. From the lens of agricultural education, major funding sources supporting the profession remain intact. Districts may see a slight decrease in funding but not huge cuts.

Honoring Kerry Stockton

The SAE Effect: Learning from Failure and Success

By Shay Williams-Hopper, San Joaquin Regional Supervisor

Seventeen years ago, I walked into the Tulare Joint Union District boardroom and plopped myself down in front of the interview committee. I felt confident with the questions posed to me by the committee until I was asked one question, “Which of the three circles of agriculture is the most important?” Of course, being fresh out of college, my answer was simple. All three are EQUALLY valuable, and off I went into my explanation of why. Suddenly, I was stopped by Max Corbett, who said, “Meh…Stop. You didn’t answer my question. Which one is the MOST important?” At that moment, I was a bit dumbfounded and fumbled with my thoughts until I blurted out, “SAE” as my final answer. As a first-year teacher, we had been instructed to always say “classroom,” but the classroom, while I did fine there, was not my favorite component—SAE was always my driving force. SAE gives students the chance to practice their employment skills and allows them to fail and succeed in a supportive environment.

Growing up in San Diego County, our “agriculture” looks vastly different from the rest of the state. Nursery products, avocados, and citrus are the top commodities produced in San Diego County. Agriculture production was not part of my childhood. My dad was a firefighter, and my mom worked for the San Diego Zoo as a Registered Vet Technician (RVT).

CATA Demographics: Continuing the Conversation

Matt Patton, CATA Executive Director

"You don't win a debate by suppressing discussion; you win it with a better argument." – Frank Sonnenberg

In the previous edition of the Golden Slate, we presented a series of infographics illustrating the current demographic landscape of agricultural teachers. This informative piece sparked numerous responses and lively debates within the agricultural teaching community. Some perceive such debate, discussion, and discourse as unfavorable, perpetuating an unwarranted narrative. Topics like the demographic composition of our profession or Dr. Haley Quade's insights at CATA's Summer Conference on recruitment and retention in ag teaching bring to the forefront needed conversations. Regardless of one's stance on these matters, they undeniably challenge the sustainability of the ag teaching profession.

To adopt the view that these discussions send the wrong message is to ignore the problem without using public discourse to debate and discuss. The public square serves as a platform for the scrutiny of ideas and philosophies, allowing for professional and civilized dialogue. Worthy ideas will be supported by logic and reasonable debate, and poor ideological positions will be exposed. Good and bad ideas should be vetted in the public square professionally and in a civilized manner. This dialogue is a time-tested approach to evaluate and refine concepts.

Register Now for the Region 1 NAAE Conference in San Diego

Secure your spot for the Region 1 – NAAE Conference from May 28 to May 31, 2024, in beautiful San Diego. Dive into a realm of professional growth with opportunities to learn new teaching strategies, share curriculum, and hear from leaders in the field. Beyond the conference rooms, embark on enriching tours, immersing yourself in hands-on experiences that will inspire new classroom connections. Registration is happening now at www.calagteachers.org/naae-region-1.

Thank You Corporate Members!

The California Ag Teachers' Association appreciates the commitment of our corporate members who support agricultural education.

Winegrape Growers Offer Funding for Owl Boxes

The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) has announced a collaborative initiative with FFA Chapters across the state to construct 200 owl boxes. The program will empower FFA students with a unique hands-on experience in constructing owl boxes that benefit the agriculture community. These purpose-built boxes will be distributed to winegrape growers later this year. 

Owl boxes play a crucial role in supporting owl populations, serving as vital tools in promoting biodiversity and maintaining ecosystem balance within vineyards. Through this program, FFA members actively contribute to practical solutions for sustainable agriculture. Students will not only gain woodworking experience but will also delve into essential aspects of agriculture, such as biodiversity, pest management strategies, and the critical importance of preserving natural ecosystems.

CAWG will provide a stipend to cover the cost of materials, as well as detailed plans, and educational materials discussing the benefits of owl boxes in agriculture and the importance of sustainability. FFA chapters interested in participating in this project are encouraged to reach out to Mindy DeRohan at Mindy@cawg.org for more information. Don't miss the chance to be part of this impactful and educational initiative shaping the future of agriculture in California!

Rev Up Support for FFA with the CalAgPlate Campaign

Calling all ag teachers! From January 1 to March 1, join us in ramping up enrollment in the CalAgPlate program. You're the driving force behind this statewide competition!

Your chapter will receive points for every new CalAgPlate form submitted by someone in your community. Chapters and regions stand a chance to win exciting prizes and receive recognition on stage at the State FFA Leadership Conference.

Access the online form here. Prefer the old-school way? Write your chapter's name on the back of each hard copy and mail it to the California FFA Center.

The CalAgPlate program generates more than $200,000 annually to provide access and opportunities for students in agricultural education. Let’s rev up support in our local communities and make a difference together! 

FFA Supporters ‘Give the Gift of Blue,’ All Chapters Benefit

Thanks to another successful Giving Tuesday, the California FFA Foundation raised enough funds for every chapter in the state to receive necessary components of FFA’s official dress, including a blue corduroy jacket and a gift card to purchase other uniform essentials. The set is to be given by the chapter to a dedicated FFA member who cannot afford to purchase their own official dress. Every chapter in California is eligible to apply.

Complete the Jotform (one per chapter) and the FFA Foundation will submit your order to National FFA on your behalf. Be sure to have your chapter number, shipping address, jacket types and sizes, and scarf and tie preferences before you start the form. If you have any questions, please contact Heather Casjens at hcasjens@californiaffa.org.

Exclusive Life Insurance Offer for NAAE Members

As a valued member, explore a special offer from Trust for Insuring Educators (TIE). NAAE is proud to present the TIE insurance program exclusively to its members. Benefit from up to $500,000 Life Insurance without a medical exam for members under 50, with quick online approval. Members over 50 or seeking higher coverage can undergo no-cost, convenient medical underwriting. Enjoy member-exclusive rates, a hassle-free online application, and a payment-free initial period. Secure your future with this valuable membership benefit. Learn more and check your eligibility online.

Scholarships for FFA Members

Ag Associated Management Services, Inc.

There is $100,000 given annually, and they're all under one roof. Various industry groups are offering scholarship support through their organizations, such as the Pacific Seed Association and CA Pork Producers Association. Check out this list for all the details.

Blue Diamond Growers Foundation

Do you live in an almond-producing area of California? If so, your students might be eligible to receive a scholarship from the Blue Diamond Growers Foundation. Visit their website to learn more. Application deadline is March 31, 2024.

Safe Food Alliance

Do you know FFA members planning to study at an accredited college within the state of California next year? If so, they may be eligible for the DFA Scholarship Foundation’s award program, which offers $500-$5,000 scholarships for new and continuing students pursuing careers in quality assurance or food safety. Applications must be received by April 1, 2024, in order to be considered. To learn more, visit the Safe Food Alliance.

Wilco FFA Forever Grants 

Wilco’s chapter grant program supports chapters that need funding for special projects that will make an impact on their FFA chapter or greater community. Selected projects will receive $250 - $4,000 grants, and ALL active California FFA chapters are eligible. Previously funded projects have included chapter equipment and facility improvements like greenhouses and land labs, educational activities, and service projects. Applications will close April 1, 2024. Be sure to click below for grant requirements and application details.

Resources for Educators

New Videos Added to SAE Video Library

Have you visited the SAE Video Library recently? There are seven new videos that were recently added for you to use in your classroom to get students thinking about SAEs. You can also use our SAE Video Worksheet to help students dig a little deeper.

New Horizons Teaching Guide

The Spring/Summer 2024 New Horizons Teaching Guide is now available! Check out this new guide for six lessons and a vocabulary activity based on articles from the newest edition of FFA New Horizons, which can be accessed online here.

FFA Week is Coming Soon!

Mark your calendars for February 17-24, 2024! Are you seeking creative ideas and convenient planning resources to elevate your chapter's enthusiasm? The perfect time to start planning is now. Explore the recently enhanced National FFA Week Implementation Guide and access a variety of resources to make your FFA Week unforgettable. Visit FFA.org/national-ffa-week/ for all the details.