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Policy & Finance
Topic

School Finance

A period upended by the pandemic also saw an unprecedented increase in state revenues. Governor Gavin Newsom has seized the opportunity to propose sweeping changes to the California’s education system, from early education to closing the digital divide and providing more money for mental health to programs designed to get more students to college.

Commentary
September 19, 2022

Let's make the most of the flood of resources for our students

As unprecedented funding flows into education across the country, administrators must improve communication and coordination to ensure it makes a real difference for students.

Nati Rodriguez
High-needs students
September 2, 2022

Gov. Newsom quashes bill to provide more funding for Black students

An unstated reason was Prop. 209, banning preferences by race; governor promises more funding somehow for state's lowest performing student group next year

John Fensterwald
Commentary
August 23, 2022

To solve our mental health crisis, give more children equal access to play

Many public schools have defunded sports programs, and most offer physical education just a few days a week, reinforcing a pay-to-play youth sports culture with few free and low-cost opportunities at a time when they are most needed.

Renata Simril 
Student Well-Being
August 10, 2022

What’s new this school year? Changing Covid protocols, universal TK, later start times and more

California's school year will begin with fewer Covid protocols, universal transitional kindergarten, more afterschool programs and community schools, and later start times for older students.

Diana Lambert
Teachers' Pensions: Who Pays?
August 3, 2022

Teachers’ retirement investments record negative return for first time since Great Recession

Inflation, market volatility, war in Ukraine factor in -1.3% return; a one-year setback, following a record gain the year before, alone won't force an increase in school districts' pension contributions.

John Fensterwald
Commentary
July 11, 2022

More teachers, outreach needed to support California's youngest English learners

California can create a national model for expanding educational opportunities for students and crafting groundbreaking policies that serve to properly identify and serve dual language students.

Patricia Lozano and Feliza Ortiz-Licon
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
Commentary
June 22, 2022

California must invest in science and math instruction in the state budget now

Funding to train teachers and build school districts' capacity to provide high-quality instruction in math and science is a priority in Gov. Gavin Newsom's budget, but not in the Legislature's. The governor is right.

Christopher J. Nellum, Peter A’Hearn and Shari Dickstein-Staub
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
School Finance
June 17, 2022

Advocates for community schools support more funding but call for fixes to program

Tight deadlines and rigid qualifications were among the concerns raised by supporters of the state's multi-year community schools initiative

Ali Tadayon
Commentary
June 15, 2022

Students in personalized learning schools deserve equitable funding

Personalized learning offers an alternative to students who don't thrive in traditional classroom settings. These public schools need the same protections against the financial disruptions of pandemic-related enrollment declines as other California schools.

Jeff Rice
Commentary
June 13, 2022

With pressures on teachers at a boiling point, California needs new pathways into the profession

For long-term and lasting solutions, we must attract more young people to enter the teaching profession and give them the training and support they need to succeed.

Sarah Lillis & Anne Stanton
Commentary
June 8, 2022

California has tens of billions more in funding for its TK-12 schools. Is that enough to keep teachers from leaving?

California must invest more to attract and retain public school teachers when so many are considering quitting.

Angella Martinez
Commentary
June 7, 2022

We must reform Cal Grants to better support community college students

The current Cal Grant program creates artificial barriers for community college students to qualify for financial aid, which in turn affects both student access and success.

Marisa Perez and Byron D. Clift Breland
Policy & Finance
June 7, 2022

Schools would likely weather a recession; should the state budget for one?

A nearly $10 billion education rainy day fund and districts' own reserves would protect schools according to state analysts. At issue is how much funding Newsom and the Legislature should to commit to ongoing spending.

John Fensterwald