The 2026-27 Budget: K-12 Proposals

Feb 19, 2026 - Establishing a New Ongoing Categorial Program Disadvantages to Creating a New Ongoing Categorical Program. In 2013, the state created LCFF and eliminated dozens of programs that provided funding for restricted or targeted purposes, also known as categorical programs.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5131

The 2026-27 Budget: Child Care and State Preschool

Mar 19, 2026 - Those programs offered by non ‑LEA providers (community ‑based organizations, county welfare departments, and cities) are funded with non ‑Proposition  98 General  Fund. Child Care Programs Must Comply With Certain Federal Requirements.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5168

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

Mar 18, 2026 - A fifth study recommended creating a new Department of Education and Workforce Preparation that would report directly to the Governor and absorb some of CDE ’s coordination and administrative functions.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5165

The 2026-27 Budget: Computer Science Supplementary Authorization

Mar 6, 2026 - The 2026-27 Budget: Computer Science Supplementary Authorization Computer Science Supplementary Authorization Background Computer Science Supplementary Authorization Incentive Grants Created in 2021-22 Budget.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5153

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

Assessing a Shift to Enrollment-Based School Funding

Jan 6, 2026 - If the state shifts to enrollment ‑based funding, the Legislature may want to consider creating a new definition that does not use ADA. For example, it could create a definition based on the proportion of a school ’s instruction that is provided in the classroom and the proportion provided through independent study.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5100

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

Nov 19, 2025 - Whereas a deferral provides up ‑front state savings but creates future costs and weakens district cash flow, the advance payment is an up ‑front state cost that allows future savings and improves district cash flow.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5093

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

Nov 10, 2025 - Consult with experts to create clearinghouses for evidence-based literacy and math resources for use by LEAs. Study and disseminate information about high performing LEAs and best practices. Provides Funds for the Special Olympics.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5087

The 2025-26 Budget: Proposition 98 Guarantee and K-12 Spending Plan

Feb 13, 2025 - …But a Compelling Alternative Is Available … The Legislature could consider several alternatives that would mitigate volatility in the guarantee without creating a settle ‑up obligation ( Figure  7 ).
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/4963

Overview of K-12 Career Technical Education

Mar 25, 2025 - To receive grants, collaboratives must commit to creating new intersegmental academic pathways in at least two of the following occupational areas: health care, education, business management, and engineering/computing.
https://lao.ca.gov/Publications/Report/5021