School Program Gutted By Davis Cuts

Governor Gray Davis ended up cutting a reward program for public schools while filling a $23-point-six billion budget shortfall. The cuts, totaling more than $200 million, stall what was the centerpiece of Davis´ push for education reform and school accountability. The program rewarded California´s schools for students who showed improved scores on standardized tests. The lost funding could affect field trips, band instruments and other benefits such as extra reading material.