We are residents of Pittsburg, CA, living in a low-income and diverse area where our school is one of the largest in our county, as of 2020 about 3,600. We are fortunate to receive some funding due to our size, but when compared with other districts in our state with similar-sized or smaller schools, it becomes clear that our funding isn't comparable. This disparity is not only unfair but also hinders the development and growth of students who deserve equal opportunities for quality education.

In California, the average per-pupil spending is around $12,498 (EdWeek Research Center), one of the smallest amounts by state, yet many schools like ours struggle to provide essential resources due to insufficient funds. This lack of adequate funding could be directly related to the school-to-prison pipeline considering that economic disparity creates environments where schools made up of diverse populations are targeting the already vulnerable student population pushing them out of schools and into juvenile detention and prison through harsh punishment policies. 

We believe that every child deserves an equal chance at success regardless of their socio-economic status or racial background. By increasing funding for schools located in low-income areas across California, we can help level the playing field and ensure all students have access to quality education and services like mental health and restorative justice programs that can create the initiative to go to school and learn rather than not go to school or get oneself into juvie or prison.

We urge lawmakers and educational authorities at both local and state levels to reassess the current allocation of educational funds, especially to reassess current policies aimed at refunding low-income areas because they may help but they can be improved to be better. Let's work together towards a more equitable distribution that truly reflects each school's needs rather than its zip code, size alone and areas economic background.

Please sign this petition if you believe all children should have equal access to quality education irrespective of where they live, how much their parents earn or the color of their skin. Your signature can make a difference!