March 2, 2023

Legislative analyst opposes Newsom’s plan for more funding to high-poverty schools

State auditor says the priority should be fixing funding formula to make spending in high-poverty schools more transparent, not adding $300 million with an “equity multiplier.”

John Fensterwald

February 13, 2023

We need stronger accountability to fulfill the equity promise of California’s school funding system

Ten years into California's new Local Control Funding Formula, students are still not getting the resources and support promised by the law.

Guillermo Mayer and Christopher J. Nellum

January 30, 2023

It’s time for an honest conversation about California’s structural budget problems

The Golden State should reform Proposition 13 for the sake of long-term revenue stability and reliable school funding.

Patrick Murphy and Erin Heys

January 18, 2023

The right choices? Leaders, policymakers and experts react to Gov. Newsom's 2022-23 education budget

See what education leaders are saying about the governor’s plan to fund education in the coming year.

EdSource staff

January 17, 2023

Reactions to the governor's higher education budget proposals

Leaders representing all segments of California’s education system share their reactions to the governor’s 2023-24 January budget proposal for California's public college and university systems.

EdSource staff

January 17, 2023

Reactions to the governor's K-12 education budget proposals

Leaders representing all segments of California's education system share their reactions to the governor’s proposed 2023-24 budget for the state's K-12 public schools.

EdSource staff

January 17, 2023

Reactions to the governor's early education budget proposals

Leaders representing all segments of California’s education system share their reactions to the governor’s 2023-24 January budget proposal for early education.

EdSource staff

January 10, 2023

California schools, community colleges to face slight drop in funding, first in a decade

Funding for Proposition 98 in 2023-24 would be $1.5 billion less than appropriated last year; districts and charter schools would get an 8.1% inflation adjustment – their top priority.

John Fensterwald

January 4, 2023

California’s school finance ratings: D for adequacy, B for equity, F for effort — but on the upswing

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.

John Fensterwald

December 22, 2022

California school districts pass $20 billion in construction bonds, but some rural areas say no to higher taxes

Fear of a recession, worries about inflation and “pandemic polarization” produced some very close votes, but in the end, 70% of ballot issues won.

John Fensterwald And Carolyn Jones

December 20, 2022

New database reveals MacKenzie Scott donated hundreds of millions of dollars to California education

Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott's donations have already benefited more than 100 California organizations, many focused on education and youth development.

Diana Lambert

December 13, 2022

For better student outcomes, improve the quality and stability of school districts

A new tool developed by Pivot Learning can help California School districts focus their efforts on strengthening their ability to build a strong foundation for improvement.

Arun K. Ramanathan

December 6, 2022

California court decision ups the odds for passing school parcel taxes

A 2021 state Court of Appeal decision said a citizen-led parcel tax initiative needs only a majority of votes, not two-thirds, as previously assumed under Proposition 13. That could be a game changer – if tried.

John Fensterwald

December 5, 2022

What Prop. 28 funding will mean for arts education in California

Prop. 28 will provide about $1 billion each year in funding to California public schools, starting in 2023. Former Los Angeles Unified Superintendent Austin Beutner, a chief backer of the initiative, discusses how it will work.

Carolyn Jones

November 7, 2022

New biography examines Michael Kirst's impact on public education in California and beyond

Kirst , who was president of the State Board of Education for all four of Jerry Brown’s terms as governor, co-authored the Local Control Funding Formula.

John Fensterwald