Getty Images/Justin Sullivan

UC Berkeley students walk by Sather Tower on the UC Berkeley campus April 17, 2007

Even as the economy claws its way out of the trenches, California’s public schools are bracing for another hit this year.

The state’s K-12 public schools and community colleges will receive $2 billion less this school year, state budget analysts say.  And the state's public universities may not be immune from cuts either. The California State University and University of California systems received an additional $600 million this year, but analysts warn that could be yanked when state legislators convene a special budget session in December. 

The Legislature intends to strategize over closing the state’s $25.4 billion shortfall, including looking at school funding. That may require slicing this year’s budget, approved over a month ago.

“It is conceivable that universities will see that added revenue evaporate,” said Michael Cohen, a deputy legislative analyst at the state Legislative Analysts’ Office. “The question is, with a $25 billion problem, can the state continue to provide that money? Everything keeps getting tighter.”

Chalk it up to risky assumptions, state budget analysts said last week.

Public schools will receive less funding with a trifecta of temporary taxes set to expire over the next year or so. They include a one-cent sales tax, a .25 percent income tax and a vehicle license fee.

“This is the reopening bell for this year,” Cohen said. “And an opening bell for next year’s budget.”

CSU spokesman Michael Uhlenkamp said budget officials were aware of possible impending cuts from the state.

“There has been talk about a mid-year cut from the state, but it’s too early to determine where we’re going to be,” Uhlenkamp said.

CSU and UC raised tuition fees this year even though they received more funding from the state.

CSU fees jumped by $204 a year in September, and are set to rise another $105 this spring. UC may raise tuition by 8 percent next year for its 10-campus system to avoid layoffs, enrollment reductions and other cuts.