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Reforms
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Local Control Funding Formula

California has reformed its system of school financing by introducing the Local Control Funding Formula. The formula, which requires districts to draw up a Local Control and Accountability Plan, grants more decision-making powers to school districts, and also gives additional state funds to districts based on the number of low-income students, English learners, foster children and homeless youth they serve.
School Finance
June 28, 2022

Gov. Newsom strikes deal on state budget: big increase for K-12, plan to expand Cal Grant, too

Compromise includes 13% more for funding formula, extra for community schools, student transportation, school construction, literacy coaches and expansion of Cal Grants.

John Fensterwald And Michael Burke
School Finance
June 22, 2022

California Prop. 13’s 'unjust legacy' detailed in critical study

Study recommends no specific fix to 1978 property tax limit initiative, but the Opportunity Institute and Pivot Learning cite many reasons to consider reforms.

John Fensterwald
California's Enrollment Rollercoaster
May 2, 2022

Growing suburban Sacramento school districts spared state's declining enrollment

New housing construction in suburbs around Sacramento have saved some school districts in the region from the belt-tightening that comes with declining student enrollment. 

Diana Lambert
Local Control Funding Formula
April 29, 2022

Senate, Assembly agree California schools should receive billions more in unrestricted funding

Districts complain COLA isn't enough to cover their costs and needs; Gov. Newsom to release revised budget, revenue projections by May 15.

John Fensterwald
Commentary
March 21, 2022

We must focus on equity as California tackles declining enrollment

As California policymakers grapple with the fiscal implications of declining school enrollment, they must seize the opportunity to address equity.

Robert Manwaring
Commentary
January 23, 2022

Quarantines are costing our students financially

California schools must be allowed to follow state-mandated quarantine requirements without losing funding.

Mala Batra
Commentary
January 13, 2022

The right priorities? Reactions to Gov. Newsom's K-12 budget for 2022-23

Leaders representing all segments of California's education system share their reactions to the governor’s proposed 2022-23 budget for the state's K-12 public schools.

EdSource staff
Local Control Funding Formula
November 24, 2021

Researchers urge changes to improve California’s education funding law

Suggestions include confronting disparities in staffing fully qualified teachers and more evenly distributing money for high-needs students.

John Fensterwald
School Finance
October 18, 2021

California districts anticipate major hits to their 2022-23 budgets as enrollments drop

School districts seeing major enrollment and attendance drops fear substantial funding cuts in the 2022-23 school year.

Ali Tadayon
Local Control Funding Formula
October 14, 2021

Nearly half of money for high-needs students not getting to their schools, analysis finds

Research by the Public Policy Institute of California compares Local Control Funding Formula allocations to school-level spending.

John Fensterwald
Local Control Funding Formula
June 18, 2021

State orders stricter county oversight of districts' spending for low-income kids, English learners

California Department of Education sides with faith-based organizations that challenged how the San Bernardino county office approved LCAPs.

John Fensterwald
Local Control Funding Formula
June 9, 2021

Little action on building state website to track districts’ spending

Nearly a year after money was budgeted, the California Department of Education hasn't completed the contract needed to move forward.

John Fensterwald
Commentary
May 28, 2021

Proposed law would disrupt the education of thousands of students

AB1316 would close numerous schools and displace thousands of students and families throughout California.

Michael Brajkovich
Commentary
May 19, 2021

What did he get right? Reactions to Gov. Newsom's early education budget

Leaders representing all segments of California’s education system share their reactions to the governor’s May revision of the 2021-22 budget.

Andrew Reed And Alexander Montero
Commentary
May 19, 2021

What did he get right? Reactions to Gov. Newsom's higher education budget

Leaders representing all segments of California's education system share their reactions to the governor’s May revision of the 2021-22 budget.

Andrew Reed And Alexander Montero