A state senator has introduced legislation that could create a new revenue source for school districts struggling amid more possible budget cuts: exterior school bus ads.
Senate Republican Leader Bob Huff’s SB 1295 would permit school districts to sell the ads and give schools the flexibility on how to spend any revenue. There were few details available in the legislation on how district programs would be run, such as policies on messaging. The state does currently allow advertising on the insides of school buses.
“This isn’t a one-size fits all mandate from Sacramento,” said Huff. “It’s an option. My legislation doesn’t force school districts to do anything. It merely gives them the option to participate in such a program.”
According to Huff’s office, a recent California Department of Education study found that 127 school districts face “severe financial jeopardy” due to state budget cuts. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson said the issue stems from deep trigger funding cuts approved by the legislature last summer and approved in December by Gov. Jerry Brown.
While the legislature passed and Brown approved an 11th-hour bill to keep $248 million in transportation funds alive for the remained of this school year that otherwise would have been cut, districts across the state remain operating amid large deficits.
“California’s fiscal mismanagement has resulted in budgetary woes for our state’s public education system,” added Huff. “Extracurricular programs have been cut and funding for pupil transportation has been threatened. My legislation provides a new and needed source of funding for our schools at no cost to taxpayers.”
