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February 2000 
Strom-Martin and Scott discuss the need for a state master plan for public education By Sheldon J. Reber, Director of School and Community Relations | |
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C alifornia Assemblywoman Virginia Strom-Martin and Eureka City Schools’ Superintendent James W. Scott met on Tuesday, October 19 at Eureka City Schools’ district office to discuss the need to develop a state master plan for public education, pre-kindergarten through higher education. The California State University system, University of California system, and California Community College system are all strategically guided by master plans. Dr. Scott participates on the superintendent’s committee of Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) that has made the recommendation to state legislators in favor of developing a master plan. In the 1997-98 legislative session, there were 180 new bills affecting public education that became law. It is ACSA’s belief that, despite good intentions, the state lacks focus with regard to education funding and policy issues. The overriding goal of a master plan must be to improve public education thoughtfully and systematically for California’s six million students. Creating a master plan will help develop a cohesive structure of policies, roles, and responsibilities to guide education decision making over time. During the meeting, Dr. Scott remarked, “The stakes are high and have far reaching implications. If there is a master plan, it should rest with local control of education. State legislation has to be developed within a context, and financial resources should be provided to implement it.” Strom-Martin took Dr. Scott’s recommendation to a state legislator’s master plan committee hearing on November 22.
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