Calif. Schools Caught Up in Ballot Tide

By Robert C. Johnston

Sacramento, Calif.

The erratic El Nino weather patterns are not the only thing making life unpredictable in California, where a torrent of citizen initiatives is flooding the state with far-reaching school policy proposals.

Three of the five initiatives on the state's June 2 ballot target school-related issues. They would end most bilingual education, cap administrative spending by districts, and curtail unions' political activities. And signatures are being gathered for future ballot measures on college admissions and other education matters.

While such initiatives may be the sign of a vibrant democracy, school leaders in the state say the process is usurping local control and allowing well-financed interest groups...