Budget Basics for Schools and Communities
During difficult budget times it is particularly important to have clear, concise answers to questions about California’s complex school finance system. Drawing on our extensive website content and publications, EdSource has created this web page as a timely resource for those who want to understand California’s school finance system and those who need to explain it.
EdSource tools for understanding and explaining California school finance
The Basics
- Finance System: This section of EdSource's website provides clear, concise explanations of school funding mechanisms in California.
- District Budgets: This website section provides information on the constraints districts face as they build and manage their budgets.
- Budget Calendar: This calendar shows the budget cycle for school districts and the state.
- 2010 Resource Cards on California Schools: This compact set of cards contains at-a-glance facts on California’s education system, including finance data. Available for purchase online.
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Glossary of Terms: EdSource’s online glossary contains more than 250 terms that define school finance and education policy. Find everything from adequacy to Williams v. California.
Presentation Tools
- Q&A: The Basics of California’s School Finance System: This two-page summary, updated January 2009, is ideal for community meetings and those new to school finance. Free download.
- Q&A: The School District Budget Process: This Q&A discusses budget pressures facing school districts, the role of collective bargaining, and how the public can influence local school budget decisions. Free download.
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School Finance in California: Understanding Our Complex System: This 21-slide presentation explains the basics of California school finance. Download a PDF of the presentation for free.
Follow-Up Questions
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School Finance FAQs: EdSource has compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions on school funding. If you have additional questions, email us at edsource@edsource.org and a member of our research staff will provide you with the information you need.
Library of School Finance Publications
Digging Deeper
- Selected Readings on California School Finance: The definitive textbook on California school finance has all of our most popular school finance publications. Now available for purchase as a PDF.
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Ed-Data website: Access detailed financial data about school districts, county offices of education and the state.
News and Resources
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School Finance News and Resources: Provides updated news and resources on school finance, including the Federal Stimulus, California Education headlines, and policy analyses from School Services of California and Strategic Education Services.
Related Publications
2009-10 School Finance Update
This 2-pager concisely explains the cuts, funding delays, and policy changes that lawmakers implemented in 2009 to address a state budget crisis that just kept getting worse, and the impact on schools:
School Finance Highlights 2009-10: The Impact of the Fiscal Crisis on California Public Schools January 2010
You are invited to link to any of our school finance web content from your own website. Many of our pages can be emailed or printed.