Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP)
What is the LCAP?
LCAP is the new California education funding formula that represents a major shift in how educational agencies are funded. LCAP shifts California from a complex finance system to a more simplified one.
The almost 40-year attempts to simplify the founding formula for educational agencies have resulted in this new formula that eliminates most of the state categorical programs. Under the new financing formula, learning educational agencies will receive funding based on the demographic profile of the students attending their institution.
The accountability requirements include eight state priorities that will guide school districts as they plan their budget and programs.
Overview of the LCAP Funding Formula
On July 1, 2013 State of California Governor Jerry Brown signed into law a new formula for how California public schools will be funded beginning in the 2014-2015 school year. This law is the most significant change to school district funding in past decades and makes fundamental changes to how state revenues are allocated to schools. When fully implemented the new formula will allocate educational funds based on the demographic profile of the students a district serves and will allow maximum flexibility at the local level.
At the core of this change is the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) that allows for greater local control and decision-making. The LCFF provides additional resources for students with the greatest needs including low income, English language learners, and foster youth. The formula also requires that school districts align their goals and actions with their budget and expenditures. Each of these areas --- appropriate resource allocation and aligning our actions with our budget --- has long been of paramount importance to the Greenfield Union School District.
As part of the LCFF, school districts are required to engage parents, students, teachers, administrators, and other school personnel to develop, adopt, and annually update a three-year Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP). The LCAP describes how the district will spend funds and outlines the goals for improving student outcomes in accordance with eight priorities set by the State of California.
The new state funding formula and accountability plan will not change the existing and enduring commitment of the Greenfield Union School District to educate capable, caring, contributing citizens for life. These new state requirements allow us to build upon our dedication to involve all stakeholders to provide the best possible education for our students.