UPDATE: California schools may gain an astonishing $6 billion annually if lawmakers shift funding from attendance-based to enrollment-based models. This urgent change, long sought by educators, could transform the state’s K-12 education landscape, but a new report raises critical concerns about potential negative impacts on student attendance.
The Legislative Analyst’s Office released findings earlier today that indicate moving to an enrollment-based funding model could reduce incentives for schools to actively engage students and improve attendance. Historically, California has funded schools based on average daily attendance, a system that has been in place for over a century. The report warns that detaching funding from daily attendance might lead to lower student engagement and poorer academic outcomes.
This issue is particularly pressing as schools continue to grapple with attendance rates that remain below pre-COVID levels. In 2019, nearly 96% of students attended classes regularly, but this number plummeted to about 90% during the pandemic. Today, attendance still lingers around 2% lower than its pre-pandemic peak.
“Attendance is crucial for student success,” stated Hedy Chang, president of Attendance Works. “While some districts may see benefits from a funding switch, maintaining a financial incentive for daily attendance is vital for encouraging kids to show up.”
The current funding model provides approximately $15,000 per student from the state’s Local Control Funding Formula, supplemented by federal funds and other sources, totaling over $100 billion spent on California schools last year. Advocates argue that linking funding to enrollment rather than attendance could lead to a loss of critical resources for schools serving students who need the most support, such as English learners and low-income families.
The report suggests that instead of changing the funding model, California should augment support for schools with high populations of disadvantaged students using the existing attendance-based system. This recommendation reflects a growing concern among educational leaders about the potential fallout from altering funding structures without ensuring incentives for student engagement.
Troy Flint, spokesperson for the California School Boards Association, emphasized that funding based on enrollment could exacerbate existing inequalities, stating, “Schools with higher absenteeism often serve students who need the most help. Shifting funding could create a vicious cycle where these schools receive even less support.”
The discussion around funding reform has gained momentum, especially after a 2024 bill prompted the Legislative Analyst’s Office to examine the implications of such a change. Although some educators argue that funding should reflect enrollment to better align with planning needs, the potential decrease in attendance incentives remains a significant concern.
As schools and policymakers weigh these options, it’s imperative to consider the human impact of these decisions. The future of California’s educational funding is intertwined with the well-being of students, making it essential to prioritize strategies that foster attendance and academic success.
In the coming weeks, stakeholders will closely monitor legislative discussions and advocate for funding solutions that not only increase financial resources but also promote a culture of attendance and engagement. The stakes are high, and the future of countless students hangs in the balance.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as California navigates the complexities of educational funding reform.
