# Funding Crisis Hits California’s Rural Schools: Advocates Call for Action Now!

By Kevin Dougherty · Published 2025-03-21 · Updated 2026-03-25 · Education Technology on MarketScale
Canonical: https://www.marketscale.com/industries/education-technology/funding-crisis-hits-californias-rural-schools-advocates-call-for-action-now

> Hundreds of California districts brace for funding cuts as a decades-old timber revenue program faces an uncertain future

## Key points

- Hundreds of California districts brace for funding cuts as a decades-old timber revenue program faces an uncertain future

Block Field

As federal funding hangs in the balance, California's [rural school districts](https://marketscale.com/industries/podcast-network/just-thinking/just-thinking-small-school-districts-yuri-calderon/) face a stark challenge on how to maintain essential services amid the uncertain future of the [Secure Rural Schools Act](https://calmatters.org/education/k-12-education/2025/01/rural-schools-2/?). 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*](https://marketscale.com/shows/just-thinking/), host [Kevin Dougherty](https://marketscale.com/kevin-dougherty/), Chief Strategy Officer at [806 Technologies](https://www.806technologies.com/), welcomes back [**Yuri Calderon**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuricalderon/), Executive Director of the [Small School Districts Association (SSDA)](https://www.ssda.org/). 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.

### About the Guest

**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.

Tags: Just Thinking, Kevin Dougherty, Legislative Advocacy, Secure Rural Schools Act, Small School Districts Association (SSDA), Yuri Calderon

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