1. What is Local Control Funding Formula?
The Local Control Funding Formula is a major change to how California has supported local educational agencies. Through the local control funding formula the state is providing new decision making power to local educational agencies to act based on the needs they see for students. In addition, this shifts California from treating funding as an input to support students to a resource that is linked to performance expectations.
2. When does Local Control Funding Formula take effect?
LCFF was approved by the California Legislature and Governor Brown in June 2013, and is effective for the 2013-14 academic year. As of the development of this document, the State Board of Education is in the process of putting the process in place. Currently, school districts are being funded through a hybrid model of the previous model (Revenue Limit) and the new model (LCFF).
3. What is different about LCFF?
Under the previous model, there were more than forty categories of funding, each for a specific purpose identified by the State. The LCFF model has basically established three forms of funding, with more local discretion on determining how the funds are spent.
- Base Grant for all students.
- Supplemental Grant (focused on all English Language Learners, Free and Reduced Priced Meal eligible students, and foster youth).
- Concentration Grant (focus on each English Language Learner or Free and Reduced Priced Meal eligible student above 55% of the district-wide enrollment).
4. What is Local Control & Accountability Plan (LCAP)?
Complementing the changes to state funding made by the Local Control Funding Formula is a newly required Local Control and Accountability Plan. The LCAP is LCFF’s vehicle for transparency and engagement. It is the way that LEAs are expected to share performance data, needs, actions, and anticipated outcomes that guide the use of available LCFF funding. The LCAP is a 3 year district plan that must be updated annually.
5. What are the 8 priority areas?
- Basic Necessities
- Implementation of Common Core State Standards
- Parental Involvement
- Student Achievement
- Student Engagement
- School Climate
- Access to Courses
- Other Student Outcomes in Subject Areas
6. What are the student subgroups?
Districts must set distinct goals for all numerically significant subgroups (at least 30 students, or 15 for foster youth).
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Racial/Ethnic Subgroups
Black or African American
American Indian or Alaska Native
Asian
Filipino
Hispanic or Latino
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
White
Two or more races
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Other Subgroups
Socioeconomically disadvantaged
English Learners
Students with disabilities
Foster Youth
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7. How is the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) developed?
Districts must establish and prioritize the eight goals listed above and will be required to indicate the steps it will take to meet the annual goals. Districts must use a State Board adopted LCAP template and will solicit input from various stakeholders.
