The 2026-27 Budget: K-12 Proposals

Feb 19, 2026 - Model Can Be Challenging to Initiate and Sustain. Although adopting a community schools model can lead to improved outcomes, particularly for disadvantaged students with the greatest needs, successful adoption requires fundamental changes that can be complicated for LEAs to implement.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5131

The 2026-27 Budget: Re-Envisioning State Education Governance

Mar 18, 2026 - Leveraging independence means assigning the SPI duties that can be performed more effectively outside of the Governor ’s control. For example, the SPI can provide information or advice about an educational issue even if the Governor considers it a low priority.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5165

The 2026-27 Budget: Proposition 98 Guarantee and K-12 Spending Plan

Feb 4, 2026 - The state has multiple tools that can make school and community college programs more resilient against risk and volatility. The Proposition  98 reserve is particularly powerful because it (1)  can be accessed relatively quickly, (2)  can support any school or community college activities, and (3)  avoids disrupting district cash flow (unlike payment deferrals).
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5110

Assessing a Shift to Enrollment-Based School Funding

Jan 6, 2026 - An imbalance of indicators can result in an overidentification of high schools as needing to receive additional support under federal rules. Legislature Could Consider Ways to Highlight High School Chronic Absenteeism Rates.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5100