School funding report cites pension costs, declining enrollment and more as pressing challenges

Several years of sustained spending increases improved student outcomes, but cost pressures in schools affect the efficiency of funding, according to new research from the Public Policy Institute of California. “Understanding the Effects of School Funding” highlights how test scores, graduation rates, college attendance and […]

Policy brief lays out resources for rural schools in wake of COVID, wildfire disruptions

The digital divide, COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, lack of community health supports, school staffing shortages and increasingly frequent and destructive wildfires are some of the most prevalent challenges facing rural school districts in California. The policy brief “Out of Sight, Not Out of Mind: How New Funds […]

Don’t miss the bus: Students, educators and legislators urge support for AB 2933 at CSBA event

CSBA and Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell (D-Long Beach) held a press conference today in support of Assembly Bill 2933 at Westmore Oaks K-8 School in West Sacramento’s Washington Unified School District. The CSBA-sponsored bill would hit the brakes on decades of underinvestment and fully fund home-to-school […]

CSBA advocacy on COVID attendance relief and LCFF base increase rewarded in May Revise

Gov. Gavin Newsom revealed his May Budget Revision May 13, proposing a $300.6 billion spending plan as the state budget surplus continues to rise to a record-breaking $97.5 billion. Among the key education proposals were major wins for CSBA’s budget advocacy work on investing in […]

School facilities funding distribution is inequitable despite significant need

California’s K–12 school facilities require significant new and ongoing investments, but current funding streams are neither consistent nor equitable in ensuring all students have access to safe and effective learning environments, according to a new report from the Public Policy Institute of California. The report […]

California school leaders, researchers discuss impacts of declining enrollment

California is estimating a 9 percent drop in K-12 enrollment, with some counties experiencing double that amount, by 2030. To complicate the picture, other counties are expecting to see enrollment increase as much as 10 percent. While the COVID-19 pandemic may have accelerated the decreases, […]

President Biden releases proposed budget for FY 2023

On Monday, March 28, President Biden released his proposed budget for fiscal year 2023, previewing the White House’s funding priorities, which includes an increase in federal education spending. While Congressional approval is required to make the proposed budget a reality, as proposed, the President’s plan […]

LAO reports college and career budget proposals need more detail

The Legislative Analyst’s Office on Feb. 23 released an assessment of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposed $2 billion in funding across three programs to increase college and career readiness among high school students. The Governor’s proposals include $1.5 billion to create a new competitive Golden State […]