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.
• 2009 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.
• 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.
• School Finance in California: Understanding Our Complex System: This 30-slide PowerPoint presentation explains the basics of California school finance. Download a PDF of the presentation for free.

Follow-Up Questions

• 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

• Go to list of EdSource publications related to school finance
  

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.
• Ed-Data website: Access detailed financial data about school districts, county offices of education and the state.
• Governor’s proposed budget for 2009–10: The full document is available on the California Department of Finance website.
• Analysis of Governor’s Budget: The Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) provides analyses and explanations on its website.

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.