Some school districts across the state have seen the funding tide turning--in the favor of education for a change.
With the implementation of the Local Control Funding Formula at the start of the 2013-2014 school year, districts have been seeing more money under the new funding structure. The previous funding model consisted of a Revenue Limit, funds which could be used at the district's discretion, and 40 different Categorical Funds, which could be spent on strict guidelines.
The LCFF eliminated the majority of the Categorical Funds and introduced a new funding model consisting of a Target Base Grant (uniform grants based on grade spans), Supplemental Grants (disbursed to student groups of a higher need) and Concentration Grants (disbursed to districts with a certain percentage of higher-need students), according to the California Teachers Association.
Pasadena Unified School District has had to deal with reduced state funding much like any other district.
At the time the PUSD approved a $174.5 million budget in June 2013, state funding was below levels set in 2006 due to continued state reductions, a declining economy, rising employee benefit costs and declining enrollment, district officials said.
PUSD also projected $8.5 million in reductions for 2013-2014.
With the implementation of LCFF, Pasadena Unified expected $5.2 million this year in LCFF money, according to district officials.
Funding is determined differently under LCFF and is divided into four target base rates according to grade level:
K-3, $6,845
4-6, $6,947
7-8, $7,154
9-12, $8,289
Concentration Grants target students who are identified as either English Learners, Low-Income and Foster Youth. A district with more that 55 percent of its student body fitting into these categories will receive an additional 50 percent of the adjusted base rate for each of these students, the CTA said.
One of the tentpoles of the LCFF is to ensure parental involvement and show transparency as a means to include and inform stakeholders in the funding process. Districts are required to create a Local Control and Accountability Plan, which also should include methods for parental engagement and involvement.
In January, the district will receive information on spending regulations and a Local Control and Accountability Plan template. Persons will be chosen to take part in an LCAP working group and parent advisory committee, district officials said.
A website will be created as well.
A public hearing will be scheduled on the LCAP and budget, with budget approval occurring in June, 2014.
