budget
“As the state continues to experience record-high revenues, CSBA is pleased to see that reflected in the natural growth of the Proposition 98 guarantee,” CSBA CEO & Executive Director Vernon M. Billy said. “However, we continue to be concerned about base funding issues such as Local Control Funding Formula funding beyond just the cost-of-living adjustment, continued support for pensions, declining enrollment and transportation operational costs rather than the continued establishment of new, large categorical programs that may not support every community. These one-time funds will surely put governing boards in the position of having to eventually consider cutting services when they should be expanding them for students.”
The Governor’s plan includes a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) of 5.33 percent for the Local Control Funding Formula, adding $3.3 billion in discretionary funds for local educational agencies. A proposed, $295 million in ongoing Proposition 98 General Funds will also go to a 5.33-percent COLA for categorical programs outside of LCFF, including special education, child nutrition, youth in foster care, Mandates Block Grant, Adults in Corrections Education Program, American Indian Education Centers and the American Indian Early Childhood Education Program. Further, county offices of education will receive a 5.33-percent COLA equaling about $11.5 million in ongoing Proposition 98 funds. These funds would also incorporate potential average daily attendance (ADA) changes applicable to the LCFF for county offices.
Despite significant looming increases, however, the Governor’s budget does not include relief for school employer pension contributions, a key priority for CSBA’s budget advocacy.
“The Governor’s Budget Proposal is a good first step toward addressing student health and safety, expanding access to technology, and advancing educational opportunities for students,” said CSBA President Dr. Susan Heredia. “This budget represents the beginning of important conversations at the state level that must include added flexibility for schools as they deal with the impact of COVID-19 and the continued need for relief from skyrocketing pension obligations that would allow funds to be redirected toward the classroom.”
Transitional kindergarten
The Governor also proposes to provide $383 million in Proposition 98 General Funds to add an additional teacher or paraprofessional to a TK class to reduce the student-to-adult ratio to “more closely align with the state Preschool Program,” from 12:1 to 10:1 for the 2022–23 school year. This proposed allocation of funding fulfills that intent.
- Amending the funding formula to calculate base funding at the LEA level rather than the Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) level.
- Consolidating the two extraordinary cost pools into a single cost pool to simplify the formula.
- Allocating Educationally Related Mental Health Services funding to LEAs rather than to SELPAs.
- Developing a Special Education Addendum to the Local Control and Accountability Plan to support inclusive planning and promote cohesion by linking special education and general education planning.
- Continuing the development of comprehensive individualized education programs (IEPs).
- Establish an alternate diploma and a workgroup to explore alternative coursework options for students with disabilities.