The 2013-14 California Budget Act simplifies the school finance system. With the new Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), the state is now funding our schools in a way that offers more equality for students. This is a huge change from the way schools have been funded for 40 years and it will help us improve outcomes for all of our students, including English Language Learners, low-income students, and foster youths.
Funding is now related to our unique needs. We will soon be receiving a certain amount of money, called a “base grant,” for every student. We will also be receiving additional funds to directly address the needs of students who are low-income, English Language Learners, or foster youths. LCFF is a large investment by the state - $2 billion for implementation for the first year. It will be phased in over about 8 years, and fully implemented by 2020-21.
Since we have to make thoughtful decisions about how the funds will be used at each of our Alliance schools, each principal is required to write detailed plans to clearly show how the money will be used now and in the next several years to contribute to student success. To assure that we will spend the funds correctly, we need to write a Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) that lists and explains our plans in these important areas:
1. Student achievement – improving student outcomes and increasing college and career readiness
2. Student engagement – supporting students in school attendance
3. Other student outcomes – measuring student progress and outcomes that will help guide our teaching
4. School climate – offering a healthy school environment where students fee safe
5. Parent engagement – involving parents in their students’ educational programs and in decision-making
6. Basic services – providing credentialed teachers and instructional materials that align with state standards, as well as providing safe facilities for all students
7. Implementation of standards – implementing Common Core standards
8. Access to courses – Ensuring students’ access to courses that will prepare them for a successful future
Additional resources below will help you learn more about how you can be more involved and help us make important decisions:
California Department of EducationCalifornia State PTACalifornia Charter Schools Association