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.
In spending the windfall of funds available for districts this year, leaders must plan for the long term, avoid quick fixes and resist the temptation to say yes to more than they can actually do well.
With a continuing surge in revenue, the governor would expand community schools and create a $500 college savings account for every low-income first grader.
In the absence of effective oversight, too many districts' local control and accountability plans, or LCAPs, focus more on compliance with the letter of the law than on improving outcomes for their students.
