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.
A list of successful 2009 K–12 bond and parcel tax measures.
February 2010Even with increased federal support, total revenues decreased by $4.4 billion since 2007-08.
January 2010This table shows how the new budget alters SB 311's penalty schedule.
January 2010This chart describes the various stimulus grants and their impact on each of four reform areas. It is excerpted from our report "The New Federal...
October 2009This table contains a list of the 83 districts that passed parcel taxes between 2001 and June 2009.
September 2009This chart shows how California's staff-per-pupil ratios compare with the national average and that of other states.
June 2009The number of local education agencies with "qualified" or "negative" certification of their finances grew to 134 in 2008-09.
June 2009Related Publications
School Finance 2009–10: Budget Cataclysm and its Aftermath
This report describes the 2009-10 education budget, how California got into to such a difficult...
January 2010 | Read More >
Community College Funding 2009–10: Increased Demand, Reduced Resources
This issue brief on community college funding looks at the current enrollment pressures on community...
January 2010 | Read More >
Selected Readings on California School Finance 2010
This volume contains our most popular publications on school finance and district budgeting.
January 2010 | Read More >
The New Federal Education Policies: California’s Challenge
This 20-page report provides an overview of the education components of the federal stimulus package...
October 2009 | Read More >
Local Revenues for Schools: Limits and Options in California
This publication describes California school districts' current options for raising their own revenu...
September 2009 | Read More >