Toward a Grand Vision: Early Implementation of California’s Local Control Funding Formula

A new research brief released by the Stuart Foundation, Toward a Grand Vision: Early Implementation of California’s Local Control Funding Formula, looks at early implementation of the Local Control Funding Formula in 10 diverse school districts in California. A dozen researchers interviewed a broad range of stakeholders, including leaders and staff from school districts, school board members, union representatives and parents, and state policymakers. The study reviewed 40 Local Control Accountability Plans.

The Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), passed with bipartisan legislative support and signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown on July 1, 2013, represents the most comprehensive transformation of California’s school funding system in 40 years. The LCFF significantly loosens the reins of state control over education. It all but eliminates categorical funding streams, substituting a base of funding for all districts and adding dollars for low-income students, English language learners, and foster youth. The new system empowers school districts to determine how to allocate their dollars to best meet the needs of their students.