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

Mar 18, 2026 - The first section explains how the current system evolved and describes the main entities and their responsibilities. The second section reviews previous governance studies and explains how governance works in other contexts.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5165

The 2026-27 Budget: Re-Envisioning State Education Governance [Publication Details]

Mar 18, 2026 - In this brief, we examine the Governor’s proposal to restructure state governance. The first section explains how the current system evolved and describes the main entities and their responsibilities. The second section reviews previous governance studies and explains how governance works in other contexts.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Detail/5165

The 2026-27 Budget: K-12 Proposals

Feb 19, 2026 - Unclear How Frequently Schools Would Be Able to Opt Into Program in Future. Under the Governor ’s proposal, LEAs must decide by November 1, 2026 if they want to participate in the program for 2026 ‑27.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5131

Assessing a Shift to Enrollment-Based School Funding

Jan 6, 2026 - Consider Setting Specific Rules Around How Enrollment Is Funded. If the Legislature were to adopt enrollment‑based funding, it may want to consider setting specific rules around how enrollment is counted for funding purposes.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5100

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

Feb 4, 2026 - For schools, these actions create new uncertainty about when and how the state will allocate Proposition  98 funding. Recommendations Alternative Approach Makes Difficult Decisions Now but Reduces Future Budget Challenges.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5110

The 2026-27 Budget: Fiscal Outlook for Schools and Community Colleges

Nov 19, 2025 - During budget deliberations, the Legislature will likely want to consider (1)  how much to allocate for budget resiliency versus new one ‑time programs, (2)  whether additional one ‑time funding could complement any existing initiatives or programs, and (3)  how these funds could improve student outcomes or local budgets beyond the upcoming year.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5093

The 2025-26 California Spending Plan: Proposition 98 and K-12 Education

Nov 10, 2025 - These reports must describe how funds were used to employ coaches and improve school literacy programs, how expenditures impact student literacy, an d how the LEA plans to continue to support literacy coaches past the award period.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5087

How Small Is Too Small? An Analysis of School District Consolidation - How Small Is Too Small? An Analysis of School District Consolidation [Video]

How Small Is Too Small? An Analysis of School District Consolidation - How Small Is Too Small? An Analysis of School District Consolidation [Video] Search LAO Videos How Small Is Too Small? An Analysis of School District Consolidation May 2, 2011 In this webcast (approximately 10 minutes), analyst Rachel Ehlers discusses the LAO report How Small Is Too Small?
https://lao.ca.gov/Videos/Player?playlistId=78

Overview of Special Education in California - How is Special Education Organized? [Video]

Overview of Special Education in California - How is Special Education Organized? [Video] Search LAO Videos Overview of Special Education in California December 12, 2016 In this series of four animated videos, Fiscal and Policy Analyst Ryan Anderson  covers key aspects of special education in California.
https://lao.ca.gov/Videos/Player?playlistId=107&videoId=163

Overview of Special Education in California - How is Special Education Funded? [Video]

Overview of Special Education in California - How is Special Education Funded? [Video] Search LAO Videos Overview of Special Education in California December 12, 2016 In this series of four animated videos, Fiscal and Policy Analyst Ryan Anderson  covers key aspects of special education in California.
https://lao.ca.gov/Videos/Player?playlistId=107&videoId=164