John Affeldt

October 14, 2020

California governor’s Supreme Court nominee wrote opinion derailing adequate school funding case

As an appellate judge, Martin Jenkins concluded the state Constitution doesn’t require minimum funding for schools; that’s for lawmakers to determine.

John Fensterwald

June 5, 2020

Gov. Newsom won’t bend on directing billions to low-income students’ learning loss

The governor and the Legislature are at odds over how to distribute federal coronavirus relief; Newsom cites growing achievement gap.

John Fensterwald

April 24, 2020

California school districts get extra 5 months to pass local accountability plans

While pushing back the LCAP deadline, Newsom orders districts to report on distance learning and school closure expenses by July 1.

John Fensterwald

April 22, 2020

California school districts to get 5-month reprieve to adopt next year’s accountability plan

The governor is expected to postpone the LCAP; legislators will be asked to cancel the California School Dashboard for one year.

John Fensterwald

November 22, 2019

California is poised to confront high proportions of underqualified teachers in low-income schools

Uncredentialed teachers are concentrated where students struggle academically; the State Board may soon have data to support a teacher equity index.

John Fensterwald

July 30, 2019

LA Unified’s spending and accountability plan should be rejected and rewritten, says advocates’ complaint

Public Advocates argues the district doesn’t show how $1.2 billion in extra funding will benefit English learners and low-income students.

John Fensterwald

October 31, 2018

California needs a new master plan to close the education equity gap

State must invest new revenues in public education and modernize data system, author says.

John Affeldt

October 27, 2016

Finally, districts' accountability plans may be easier to read and use

But the revised LCAP templates may not end up shorter.

John Fensterwald

August 31, 2016

Dissenting judge awaits second chance to corral a majority on school funding lawsuit

Plaintiffs weigh their options, including another lawsuit to define how much funding is adequate.

John Fensterwald

August 22, 2016

California high court lets rulings stand on teacher tenure, school funding lawsuits

Three justices issue dissents arguing they should consider overturning tenure, layoff laws.

John Fensterwald

June 19, 2016

State delays forcing LA Unified to spend more on high-needs students

The district plans to fight the ruling; the community group wants it enforced now.

John Fensterwald

June 9, 2016

State board may make it easier to follow the money

Unclear regulations and inconsistent enforcement undermine oversight of the LCAP process.

John Fensterwald

June 1, 2016

State officials find LA Unified shortchanged students

The shortfall for students with the highest needs will grow to $450 million, the complaint says.

John Fensterwald

April 20, 2016

Appeals Court denies constitutional right to minimum K-12 funding

The split decision says the Legislature has the prerogative to determine how much to spend.

John Fensterwald

March 28, 2016

Complaint says district must revise LCAP in passing big pay raise

Without more transparency, districts can play shell game with money, law firm charges.

John Fensterwald