Public Advocates was instrumental in shaping the Local Control Funding Formula, California’s landmark school funding policy. Signed into law in 2013, LCFF is one of the boldest public education experiments any state has ever taken to improve student outcomes through greater equity, transparency, local accountability, and meaningful community engagement. However, while it changed the way public schools were funded, a decade into this legislation, there is more work needed to address systemic inequities that create barriers to student success.
We are proud to share our findings from the research and recommendations for leadership in our latest report, Realizing the Promise of LCFF: Recommendations from the First Ten Years. Using 72 districts as case studies, this report, written with our partners at the ACLU Southern California, reviews LCFF implementation to offer guidance on improving equitable outcomes and community engagement. While the report highlights some bright spots, it underscores the need for significant innovation in order to strengthen accountability measures that can ensure a comprehensive strategic planning process and better engagement. Top level recommendations include:
- More oversight, support and authority for County Offices of Education to hold districts accountable
- Investing in an innovative, usable, web-based strategic planning platform that can make funding transparent and easier to understand
- Strengthening community engagement with families, students, and community based organizations to meaningfully address disparities in student outcomes and improve opportunities for all students, including Black students
Establishing the LCFF was a critical first step, but 10 years later, as California enters the next phase of this bold work, it must continue to improve this system to ensure high-needs students in our state receive the resources they need to thrive in school and beyond.
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