| | Published March 12th, 2014
| Method of School Funding OverhauledParent, public input requested; second forum tonight at Campolindo
| | By Cathy Tyson | | |
Funding for kindergarten through high school will soon see a dramatic change. For the coming fiscal year control of where money is spent will be handled locally instead of spelled out by the state in over 80 restrictive categories that had been in place for decades. Superintendent of the Acalanes Union High School District, John Nickerson described how the new and improved Local Control Funding Formula "radically changed the state K-12 funding allocation method." He explained that priorities regarding how much and where to spend funds will now be in the hands of stakeholders and will have limited restrictions.
The old system of general purpose funding from the state, called Revenue Limits, earmarked funds for certain items like textbooks, counseling, maintenance, GATE programs. Starting with the 2014-15 budget year, the new method of funding will allow broad discretion over base grants.
There are some strings attached to the Local Control Funding Formula to encourage transparency and accountability. According to the California Department of Education, school districts are required to develop and annually update a three year Local Control and Accountability Plan beginning on July 1; part of that plan requires obtaining parent and public input to continuously improve budget development. To guide the process, the State Board of Education has created a template that will identify goals and measure students' progress.
"This is an ongoing process that will continue year after year as we shape and prioritize," said Nickerson. The district is looking for input regarding priorities and at forums held at the district's four high schools. No RSVP is necessary and the public is encouraged to attend. The first event was March 11 at Acalanes.
Forums Coming Soon
March 12: Campolindo High School Library, 7-9 p.m.
March 18: Las Lomas High School Library, 7-9 p.m.
March 26: Miramonte High School Library, 7-9 p.m.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA