Report Implementing California’s School Funding Formula: Will High-Need Students Benefit? By Laura Hill, Iwunze Ugo Mar 12, 2015 The Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) reformed California’s K–12 school finance system. It replaced a patchwork of formulas and specific (or "categorical”) programs with a focus on local control, funding equity, and additional support for the large share of students (63%) who are "high needs"—that is, low-income, English Learner, and/or foster care youth. However, there are still concerns about whether the new funding will reach high-need students. Because districts have spending flexibility, and because some of the extra funding for high-need students is based on their districtwide enrollment levels, it is possible that high-need schools in districts with relatively low overall shares of high-need students will not get the funding they need. Our research indicates that county offices of education—which are charged with assisting districts in developing and achieving accountability plans—may have extra work to do in parts of Southern California, the Bay Area, and Sacramento to ensure that extra state funding improves outcomes of high-need students who are not evenly distributed across district schools.
blog post The Debate Over Extending Proposition 30 By Mark Baldassare Feb 3, 2015 A slim majority of support for extending Proposition 30 suggests that a tax extension is in the realm of the possible but far from a sure thing.
press release Most Want More Higher Education Funding—But Oppose Raising Student Fees or Taxes Dec 1, 2014
press release Brown Holds Big Lead—Majorities Support Water Bond, Measure to Ease Crime Penalties Sep 23, 2014
press release Likely Voters Would Rather Pay Down Debt than Restore Funding for Services May 21, 2014
blog post California’s Taxing Dilemma By Mark Baldassare Apr 2, 2014 As the April 15 deadline for filing taxes looms, we asked Californians in the latest PPIC Statewide Survey how they view their state and local tax burden. Their responses present a dilemma for policymakers.
