Public Advocates

May 16, 2019

Gov. Newsom proposes tighter rules on charter school enrollment

Critics complain some California charter schools screen out students with disabilities and academically struggling students.

John Fensterwald

August 1, 2018

Many charter schools fail to disclose spending on low-income students, report says

Out of 70 LCAPs selected, Public Advocates couldn’t find 27 online and most of the 43 reviewed lacked key spending data and evidence of parent involvement.

John Fensterwald

July 24, 2018

Complaint spurs Bay Area district to provide parents with more timely accountability data

West Contra Costa Unified will give community committee updated information by November, according to settlement agreement.

Theresa Harrington

April 23, 2018

Advocates accuse Bay Area district of failing to release data on student performance

Data needed so public can have a say in how the district spends state funds

Theresa Harrington

October 3, 2017

LA County Office admits it shouldn't have approved Long Beach's LCAP

County officials are now demanding districts do a better job of justifying spending for low-income students and English learners under the funding formula.

John Fensterwald

September 15, 2017

California defines 'effective' and 'ineffective' teachers, and why it matters

A teacher's credential, not his or her performance, will define effectiveness under the state's education plan required by federal law.

John Fensterwald

September 14, 2017

Los Angeles Unified settles lawsuit over funding for 'high-needs' students

The district agrees to provide an additional $150 million to 50 high-needs schools.

George White

April 4, 2017

Long Beach Unified accused of underfunding 'high-needs' students

The complaint is contesting how the district spent $41 million in supplemental and concentration funding.

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

August 8, 2016

State reaffirms that LA Unified violated funding formula

The advocacy groups that challenged the district want an immediate remedy.

John Fensterwald

July 11, 2016

Superintendents, advocacy groups at odds over revising LCAP

Changes would make the document better organized but not easier to track expenditures.

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