Adequate Funding for California Schools

Since the adoption of the LCFF, California’s public school funding structures have become more straightforward and transparent. Additionally, per pupil spending has increased, but remains below the national average. It’s estimated that in 2016-17, California would have needed to spend about $22 billion, or nearly one third more that it did, to adequately fund public schools. Comparisons between California and other states (accounting for differences in cost of living) in terms of funding levels and policy put California’s public school spending in context and help to identify opportunities for improved funding measures. Presenters Jennifer Imazeki and Jesse Levin summarize findings on California’s funding structures and trends, detailing gaps between current and adequate spending.