Finance System
School Finance Basics
The first reality of school finance in California is the sheer size and diversity of the state. The school finance system pays for the education of more than 6 million students in kindergarten through 12th grade. It also supports the salaries of thousands of employees and the construction and maintenance of more than 9,000 public schools.
In this section:
This chart shows how California's staff-per-pupil ratios compare with the national average and that of other states.
February 2008This table compares California with the U.S. average and the top- and bottom-ranking states on a number of criteria.
February 2008This page describes 2004-05 General Fund revenues and expenditures for the state and for elementary, high school, and unified school districts.
February 2007Related Publications
School Finance 2007-08: A Status Quo Budget in a Time of Increased Pressure
This report offers a comprehensive look at lawmakers’ funding decisions for schools this year ...
December 2007 | Read More >
Selected Readings on California School Finance
This volume contains our most popular publications on school finance and district budgeting.
Major categorical programs: State and federal money is earmarked for special purposes
This publication lists the major state and federal categorical programs, and funding amounts, in the...
December 2007 | Read More >