URGENT UPDATE: California schools are pushing for a revolutionary change in funding, aiming to add an astonishing $6 billion annually to K-12 education by shifting the funding model from attendance to enrollment. This proposal, championed by various educational advocates, could significantly impact school budgets and student support.
Just announced by the Legislative Analyst’s Office, the change could provide a vital financial boost, yet experts warn it may discourage schools from prioritizing attendance, potentially leading to lower student engagement and success. The report, released on October 24, 2023, highlights the potential pitfalls of linking funding directly to enrollment figures.
California’s current funding model, which has been in place for over a century, relies on average daily attendance—a system that has historically incentivized schools to encourage students to come to class. This model has proven effective, as evidenced by a pilot study from the 1980s that showed attendance at high schools increased by 5.4% when financial incentives were introduced.
However, with attendance rates still struggling to recover from the pandemic—dropping from 96% in 2019 to around 90%—the report suggests that merely changing the funding formula could do more harm than good. Students with better attendance typically achieve higher test scores and graduation rates, making this issue critical for educational equity.
“It’s a thoughtful analysis that weighs the pros and cons,” said Hedy Chang, president of Attendance Works. “For some districts, there might be benefits to a funding switch, but it also helps when districts have a concrete incentive for encouraging kids to show up.”
The report argues that if the California Legislature intends to enhance school funding, it should continue using the attendance-based model while directing more resources to schools with high populations of low-income students, English learners, and those in foster care. This, they assert, would better support the most vulnerable students.
Troy Flint, spokesman for the California School Boards Association, emphasized that enrollment-based funding could exacerbate existing inequalities. Schools with high absenteeism often serve students who require additional support. “Tying funding to daily attendance—which in some districts is as low as 60%—brings less money to those schools, ultimately hurting the students who need the most assistance,” Flint explained.
The debate continues as schools advocate for a more sustainable funding formula that addresses the true costs of educating students with diverse needs. A bill proposed by former Senator Anthony Portantino in 2024 sought to examine this issue; however, it ultimately resulted in a study rather than immediate reform.
As the conversation unfolds, the educational community remains divided. While some leaders argue that funding should be linked to enrollment for better financial planning, others warn that this may lead to a decline in student attendance, which could have lasting effects on academic performance.
Next steps: As this debate develops, stakeholders urge the California Legislature to reconsider the implications of any funding changes on student attendance. Educational leaders are closely monitoring attendance trends, as they are crucial for both funding and student success.
The outcomes of this discussion will not only affect school budgets but will also impact the educational futures of millions of California students. With the potential for additional funding on the line, the urgency for a thoughtful resolution has never been higher.
