Among the most significant education proposals in this year’s budget are those addressing declining enrollment. The Governor’s plan, outlined in the January budget, would change how LCFF apportionment is calculated to consider the greater of a school district’s current year, prior year, or the average of three prior years’ average daily attendance. CSBA’s priority is to ensure that any adopted plan recognizes the devastating impact the pandemic has had on school attendance.
Specifically, CSBA is requesting that the attendance percentage an LEA generated in the 2019–20 school year be used in calculating the attendance component of the apportionment, as 2019–20 was the last “normal” school year. In calculating the enrollment component, CSBA proposes using current enrollment numbers. This balance will reflect declines or increases in enrollment while still acknowledging the unforeseen impacts of the delta and omicron waves on attendance this school year.
TK requires specialized classrooms, with additional requirements for minimum square footage, in-class restrooms, separate play yards, proximity to drop-off/loading areas and even the height of furniture. Furthermore, the existing state facilities program requires a local match component with limited available funding split between TK, full-day kindergarten and preschool programs.
CSBA is pushing for additional non-Proposition 98 General Fund money to construct facilities for TK students, accommodate the program’s reduced class-size ratios, and for an amendment allowing LEAs to access 100 percent state funding until districts can pass local bonds. This additional funding and flexibility will be critical to ensuring that LEAs can fulfill the state’s goals for TK expansion and serve their new students.
While the $1.5 billion for green school buses proposed by the Governor is a new investment, more is needed to fund transportation fully and sustainably. Providing home-to-school transportation is an ongoing hurdle for many districts that offer it, particularly given the upcoming TK expansion. CSBA is requesting funding for home-to-school transportation that is equal to the actual costs for LEAs, in addition to an annual COLA to account for increasing costs.