The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee No. 1 on Education convened on May 22, 2025, to discuss critical budgetary issues affecting California's education system. The meeting focused on the allocation of federal and state funds, the impact of proposed cuts, and various educational programs.

The session began with a discussion on the delays in federal fund allocations due to the Office of Management and Budget's review process. Committee members expressed concern over the uncertainty this creates for state planning, particularly regarding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funds. It was noted that IDEA funding has decreased by approximately $4 million from the previous year, although special education funding is expected to remain stable.

Next, the committee reviewed the May revision proposals from the Department of Education. Patrick Rochelle from the Department of Finance outlined a reduction of 42 positions and a decrease of $4.8 million in state operations for the Department of Education. This reduction is part of a broader effort to streamline operations, with a total of 2,630 positions and $508.4 million proposed for the upcoming fiscal year.

The discussion then shifted to specific educational initiatives, including a proposed $100 million one-time fund for student teacher stipends aimed at addressing teacher shortages. This program would provide $10,000 stipends to student teachers, which the Legislative Analyst's Office recommended rejecting due to concerns about its effectiveness in increasing teacher supply.

Further proposals included a $200 million investment in literacy instruction professional development, which received support from the committee as a necessary step to improve literacy rates in California. However, there were reservations about the effectiveness of other proposals, such as funding for math coaches and a secondary school redesign pilot, which were recommended for rejection due to unclear goals and limited targeting of resources.

The meeting concluded with a call for ongoing communication regarding budget changes and the need for flexibility in addressing the evolving educational landscape. The committee emphasized the importance of prioritizing funding for programs that directly support students and educators, particularly in light of the challenges posed by funding cuts and shifting federal guidelines.