Funding Crisis Hits California’s Rural Schools: Advocates Call for Action Now!
California's rural school districts face steep budget cuts of up to 20% after the Secure Rural Schools Act failed reauthorization in 2024, leaving hundreds of schools to navigate the loss of critical federal timber-revenue funding. The Small School Districts Association is pursuing legislative advocacy to secure support for these under-resourced communities.
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Key takeaways
Hundreds of California districts brace for funding cuts as a decades-old timber revenue program faces an uncertain future
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As federal funding hangs in the balance, California's rural school districts face a stark challenge on how to maintain essential services amid the uncertain future of the Secure Rural Schools Act. Originally established to offset declines in timber revenue from federal lands, the Act has become a lifeline for hundreds of districts. But after failing to gain reauthorization in 2024, many schools now confront steep budget cuts—some losing up to 20% of their funding.
After failing to gain reauthorization in 2024, many schools now confront steep budget cuts—some losing up to 20% of their funding.
What happens to rural education when vital federal dollars suddenly vanish—and what can educators do to make their voices heard?
In this episode of Just Thinking, host Kevin Dougherty, Chief Strategy Officer at 806 Technologies, welcomes back Yuri Calderon, Executive Director of the Small School Districts Association (SSDA). Together, they unpack the historical importance and current jeopardy of the Secure Rural Schools Act, explore how legislative advocacy plays a critical role in sustaining small school systems, and share practical strategies for engaging lawmakers.
Key discussion points from the episode:
- The Secure Rural Schools Act's impact: How the loss of this critical funding—up to $700,000 for some districts—threatens staffing, services, and student outcomes.
- Why legislative engagement matters: Calderon shares his recent efforts lobbying all 51 California congressional offices and explains how educators can effectively advocate for their communities.
- SSDA's on-the-ground support: From the E3 Forums (Engage, Empower, Elevate) to statewide initiatives focused on school culture and attendance, SSDA is bringing resources and relationships to the most remote parts of California.
Yuri Calderon is the Executive Director of the Small School Districts Association, representing over 600 school districts across California, many of which serve rural and isolated communities. With a background in education leadership and a reputation for passionate, hands-on advocacy, Calderon works tirelessly to secure funding, support leadership development, and elevate the voices of small district educators statewide.
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About the author
Kevin Dougherty is the Chief Marketing Officer of NeuraPoints, Inc. and the host of the Just Thinking... podcast. He has spent the past 40 years as an educator and serving educators. A graduate of the University of Massachusetts/Amherst, Kevin earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Multicultural Education. He later earned a Master of Education Degree in Education Administration from the University of Massachusetts/Lowell. Kevin was a classroom teacher for ten years in the Dallas, Boston, and Houston areas. He then served as an assistant principal/principal of Title I/Bilingual campuses in Fort Bend ISD and Irving ISD. For the past 22 years, Kevin has been serving educators throughout Texas and the nation in various roles supporting sales/marketing, professional learning, and overall company strategy. He has been married to his wife, Michelle, for 33 years. They have two grown children who both live in the DFW area.
