BILL ANALYSIS �
SB 537
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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
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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