California ranks 33rd in 2019-20, adjusted for its cost of living, spending $13,686 per student in state and local funding. Its method of funding poor districts is one of the nation's most equitable.
An unstated reason was Prop. 209, banning preferences by race; governor promises more funding somehow for state's lowest performing student group next year
Assembly Bill 2774 will ensure the lowest performing students are prioritized the same as the other high-needs student groups in the state's funding formula, providing schools with targeted funding to help better support Black students.
Compromise includes 13% more for funding formula, extra for community schools, student transportation, school construction, literacy coaches and expansion of Cal Grants.
California legislative leaders would add $4.5 billion above the governor's proposal for the Local Control Funding Formula, and drop $700 million for early literacy and $1.5 billion for community schools.
California's budgeting framework is designed to engage communities in their aspirations and be adaptable to local needs. But families of English learners are too often locked out of the process.
Roundtable panelists discussed the pros and cons of shifting California schools from an attendance-based funding formula to an enrollment-based formula.