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The Pros And Cons Of School Funding

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When local property taxes were the primary source of school funding, districts were financially stable and were able to allocate funds for appropriate spendings. With the limitations set on property taxes, school budgets became dependent on the state’s fluctuating economy and tax collections. Fortunately, in 1988, Proposition 98 was passed, which set a minimum base funding for public schools. This proposition guaranteed funding that would grow each year with the changing economy along with student enrollment. This funding, though managed by the state was a combination of state General Fund and local property tax revenues.
LCFF
When the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) was adopted by California in 2013, educators were hopeful …show more content…

These eight priorities include: student achievement, school climate, basic services, implementation of Common Core standards, student engagement, parental involvement, course access, and other student outcomes (Koppich 2015). Though the LCFF was designed for local control, the state still holds them accountable to meeting these goals.
Benefits to the LCFF Though some may believe that the implementation of LCFF is a disservice to districts that may not have as many disadvantaged students or students of EL, others may see that the LCFF model does, in fact, have more benefits than none. Through the LCFF, districts are now required to communicate and collaborate with employees (administrators, teachers, personnel, bargaining groups, students) and the community to develop the LCAP. According to EdSource, it was found that the LCFF has “created an unprecedented level of engagement among school district leaders, community leaders, parents, teachers, and students” (2016). Districts have more control in how to spend these funds that align with what their needs are. As the LCFF purpose was to provide more services/programs for EL Learners, foster youth, and low-income students, we find that this system is not only a district decision, but also a community-based decision. The communities now play a vital role in how allocated fundings are spent. This provides opportunities for

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