Most school districts eventually will get more money per student under the Local
Control Funding Formula (LCFF) that went into effect this year.
The new funding model replaces a complicated one that
included many more restrictions on how money was to be spent. Now, local school
districts will have more freedom when putting together their budget.
The new model is based on a per-pupil dollar amount that
varies slightly for different grade levels. That amount ranges from $6,947 per
student each year in grades 4 through 6 to $8,505 for those in high school.
Districts will get additional money based on the number of students
within a district that need extra support. These include English language
learners, students from low-income families, and foster youth. Districts with
more than 55 percent of students in one of those categories will get an
additional “concentration grant” to help support the student.
There also are provisions for additional money to go to
qualifying small schools and school districts or charter schools that received
certain targeted-instruction or transportation grant money in the past.
School districts may also continue to receive funding from a
few categorical programs that weren’t eliminated as a part of the LCFF,
including child nutrition, state preschool and special education.
Implementation of the new formula began in the 2013-14
school year. However, it will take several years before all provisions are
fully implemented and districts and charter schools are funded to formula
targets. Until then, some LCFF provisions and funding will be phased in
gradually.
The new funding formula presents a historic opportunity to
focus on improving student outcomes, closing achievement gaps, and increasing
the level of communication between our schools and our community.
To learn more about The LCFF or LCAP, visit the San Diego County Office of Education's LCAP page or the California Department of Education webpage.