BILL ANALYSIS Ó SB 537 Page 1 Date of Hearing: August 17, 2011 ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS Felipe Fuentes, Chair SB 537 (Correa) - As Amended: July 13, 2011 Policy Committee: EducationVote:9-0 Veterans Affairs 9-0 Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: SUMMARY This bill authorizes the Adjutant General of the California National Guard to enter into an agreement with a school governing board, to establish a military academy charter school. This bill also makes a series of updating and technical revisions to the existing California Cadets Corps (CaCC) program. FISCAL EFFECT Minor direct GF/98 costs. The department would absorb any marginal costs that result in new CACC programs, and the authorization for new military academy charter schools would be funded largely within existing Prop 98 and local school district budgets. In addition, this bill specifies that no new National Guard youth program, including military charter schools, may be established unless funds are specifically appropriated for this purpose. Notwithstanding the appropriation caveat, however, this bill creates potential GF/98 cost pressure in that it creates additional responsibilities for the Military Department, which receives about $7 million from the state GF for its youth programs, including the Oakland Military Institute (OMI) charter school in Oakland. COMMENTS 1)Rationale . The intent of the author and sponsor, the SB 537 Page 2 California Military Department (National Guard), is to update Military and Veterans Code sections that have not been updated in decades, and to authorize the SPI and school districts to form military academy charter schools. According to the Military Department, while there are no plans or proposal to establish another military academy charter school, such as the OMI, the department's Youth Programs Division has been contacted by additional school districts with fledgling interest in establishing a school such as OMI. 2)The CaCC , founded in 1911, is a school-based program conducted within a military framework that provides growth and leadership opportunities for California students in elementary, middle schools and high schools. CaCC program objectives are academic achievement; leadership; citizenship; patriotism; military knowledge and understanding; and health, fitness, and wellness. The CaCC program, which includes about 6,500 student cadets, is offered through schools and can be taken for credit. As part of their training, cadets provide assistance and support to school and their community. Examples include color guards, participation in parades, serving as student leaders, and peer mentors and escorts. The department provides administrative oversight and logistical support to ensure the cadets receive uniforms, supplies, equipment and the training materials. A volunteer staff of Cadet Corps officers perform planning and execution of statewide cadet activities. Analysis Prepared by : Geoff Long / APPR. / (916) 319-2081