Report dives deep into California’s special education funding system

A new report from WestEd finds that while more than half of California’s special education students spend 80 percent or more of the school day in a general education classroom, a more inclusive funding system is needed to promote these inclusive practices. The publication, California […]

Judge blocks U.S. Department of Education from enforcing CARES Act private school funding rule

On Aug. 21, 2020, a federal judge ruled against the U.S. Department of Education in Washington v. DeVos, a lawsuit over how much coronavirus aid public schools must set aside for private school students. The U.S. Department of Education’s interim final rule issued earlier this […]

Budget subcommittee takes on big questions around school finance, learning loss, the future

While legislators, state officials and education advocates may have left with more questions than they arrived with, an Assembly Budget Subcommittee hearing on April 28 punctuated the COVID-19 pandemic’s massive impact on K–12 schools. The parties learned that many of the answers largely hinge upon […]

In wake of pandemic, local reserves can help stabilize districts in short term

The Legislative Analyst’s Office on April 5 released an update on state and school district reserves in light of the likelihood of vastly decreased revenues due to COVID-19 pandemic mitigation efforts. About 40 percent of California’s General Fund is dedicated to K-14 education. This money, […]

President’s Message: Investing in student success with transparency and accountability

By CSBA President Xilonin Cruz-Gonzalez January is School Board Recognition Month, a time to appreciate district and county office trustees and the special obligation we have as stewards of America’s greatest public trust — its public school system. As we reflect on our unique role, […]

Federal budget proposal sees modest increases in Title I, IDEA and other key funding areas

Facing a Friday, Dec. 20 deadline to pass a budget for the 2020 fiscal year, Congress this week is considering a $1.4 trillion spending package that would provide a total of $72.8 billion in discretionary funding for the U.S. Department of Education — a figure […]

School spending survey highlights need for increased funding across U.S.

Results of a new nationwide survey of district officials show an overwhelming call for additional education funding, as well as a far-reaching perception that neither the general public nor elected officials understand the need for more school spending. Of more than 700 school and district […]

CEO’s note: The 2019–20 State Budget Act: A reflection of our values? Maybe …

By CSBA CEO & Executive Director Vernon M. Billy While speaking about the release of his first state budget, Gov. Gavin Newsom said, “I know it’s rote and cliché to say it’s a reflection of our values, but it is a reflection of our values.” […]