School Finance 2001-02
August 2001
Note: This publication has been updated. A newer version is available in our main catalog of publications.
In the midst of terrorist attacks and a slowing economy, California’s state leaders struggled to balance the 2001–02 budget while maintaining a strong commitment to the more than six million students in K–12 public schools. Altogether $53.7 billion in revenue is projected for K–12 education from local, state, and federal sources.
The state Legislature and Governor Gray Davis finally settled on an increase of about $2.4 billion in state support for public schools. About 80% of that increase will go to maintain the existing budget, including educating almost 80,000 more students.
The federal government also increased its support of the state’s schools by about 20% or almost $1 billion, focusing on a new school renovation and repair program as well as increased funding for Special Education, Class Size Reduction, and Title I programs.
In general, the state maintained the status quo, with the notable exception of increased funding for Special Education, partially in response to a lawsuit settlement. State leaders continued to support an evolving accountability system and professional staff development programs.
This report captures the key actions related to the 2001–02 education budget and provides some background about the school finance system generally.
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