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

October 11, 2020

State lawmakers hurt charter schools, online learning with funding deal

The budget for the new fiscal year froze funding for schools at their 2019-20 level, preventing additional state funding for growing schools with increased numbers of students in the fall.

Lance Izumi

October 11, 2020

Schools need additional funding to cope with pandemic crisis, voters say

Most respondents say the federal government should lead the way in providing those funds, and that the money is more likely to be forthcoming if Joe Biden is president.

Louis Freedberg

October 9, 2020

Business donors have met their match in battle over Proposition 15’s split-roll tax

The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, funded by Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, is one of the biggest donors to Yes on Prop. 15.

John Fensterwald And Daniel J. Willis

September 30, 2020

How Prop. 15 would increase K-12 districts' funding

See how much money K-12 districts and charter schools might receive in 2025-26 if voters pass Prop. 15 on Nov. 3.

Daniel J. Willis

September 30, 2020

Quick Guide: Proposition 15, the proposed ’split-roll’ tax on commercial property

Big corporate property owners would pay the bulk of new taxes; opponents claim costs would be borne by small business renters.

John Fensterwald

September 23, 2020

West Contra Costa Unified expected to break even this year after major budget cuts

The West Contra Costa Unified School District is expected to break even this year after making around $30 million in ongoing budget cuts and dipping into its reserves and retiree benefits trust. Though the district is in a better financial position than it was, more cuts could be on the horizon in the next three years as the national recession worsens.

Ali Tadayon

September 16, 2020

California ballot measure to lift ban on affirmative action widely opposed by surveyed voters

Prop. 16 appears in trouble, but voters narrowly support taxing commercial property to raise billions for schools and local governments.

John Fensterwald

September 16, 2020

First big reform of California’s education funding law awaits governor’s signature

The bill, favored by student rights groups, would end a “loophole” allowing districts to freely use unspent money intended for “high-needs” students.

John Fensterwald

September 2, 2020

Legislature fixes funding problem for growing districts and some charter schools

Districts and charter schools that can prove they planned to grow will get additional funding in 2020-21 but the deal leaves out online charter schools.

John Fensterwald

September 1, 2020

School districts worry that legislators failed to protect them from Covid-19 lawsuits

A bill that would have shielded districts that follow safety and health precautions from being sued failed to move forward.

John Fensterwald

August 13, 2020

Ask a reporter: Back to school in California during Covid-19

EdSource reporters and readers met Wednesday in a virtual town hall to discuss what education will look like this fall in California. 

Sydney Johnson

August 11, 2020

Some California districts, teachers struggle to agree on distance learning

The Legislature set minimum hours but left it to districts and unions to define instruction, engagement and set the length of a school day.

John Fensterwald

August 7, 2020

Why special education funding will be more equitable under new state law

The state plans to spend an additional $650 million on special education under new law.

Carolyn Jones

August 5, 2020

Official figures released on state, federal CARES Act funding to districts to address Covid-19

Official awards from CARES Act funding to California school districts now public. Funds can be used for protective equipment and supplies, student meals and planning for school reopening.

Daniel J. Willis And John Fensterwald