More than 300 people, including Governor Jerry Brown, weighed in on the matter. Public testimony lasted for over six hours. At issue is whether school districts should be given more leeway to spend money targeted toward disadvantaged kids.
In the end, the State School Board unanimously took the side of administrators and the Governor, and implemented emergency rules for next year that will give districts more control over the money.
But Board President Michael Krist stressed the rules for following years may be adjusted.
“We’re committed to making, as a board, an necessary changes and continuing the public engagement process that got us here with the balance that we reached today. But, rather than making changes on the fly on particular parts of the regulations, I support approving the emergency regulations as presented,” Krist said.
The funding formula gives schools districts additional money for low income and non-English speaking students and foster children.
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