To Devolve, Democratize, and Redistribute: Investigating Implementation of California's Historic Local-Control Funding Formula

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

In 2013, California adopted the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), landmark legislation that empowers school districts to engage the community and enhance services for high-needs students through new flexibility, weighted student funding, and local accountability. Given the dramatic shift represented by and investment in this policy, it is critical to understand how LCFF is playing out in districts and the extent to which it is achieving intended goals. In this symposium, we present emerging empirical research on the implementation, and early impact of LCFF, drawing on analyses of district budgets and plans, as well as in-depth fieldwork. Discussion following the presentations will provide opportunities for panelists and audience members to further examine these important topics.

Sub Unit

• Division L - Educational Policies and Politics / Division L - Section 1: Governance, Politics, and Intergovernmental Relations

Chair

• Julie A. Marsh, University of Southern California

Papers

• How Decentralizing Finance May Advance Equity: Early Mechanisms, Differing School Budgets in Los Angeles - Bruce Fuller, University of California - Berkeley; Joonho Lee, University of California - Berkeley; Laura Tobben

• Local-Control Funding Formula and English Learners: Seizing the Opportunity to Influence the Budgeting Process - Patricia C. Gándara, University of California - Los Angeles

• The Community Goes to School: A Multidistrict Analysis of Statewide Mandated Democratic Engagement - Michelle Hall, University of Southern California; Julie A. Marsh, University of Southern California

• The Local Control and Accountability Improvement Process: The County Office Role - Paul Warren, Public Policy Institute of California

Discussant

• Betty Malen, University of Maryland