Jen Alfonso-Punzalan
Cabral, E. and Chu, C. (2013). An overview of the local control funding formula. Retrieved from http://www.lao.ca.gov/reports/2013/edu/lcff/lcff-072913.aspx.
As a library/media teacher, and hearing about the change in the LCFF here in California over the summer, I wanted to learn more about what LCFF is and what changes it might bring to our schools. This report was written by the Legislative Analyst's Office: California's Nonpartisan Fiscal and Policy Advisor.
It is interesting to note that one of the eliminated categorical programs is School Library Improvement Block Grant. It is also interesting to note that two of the eight state priority areas that school libraries can make a positive impact is in "Student Achievement" and in "Implementation of Common Core State Standards."
The School Library Improvement Block Grant was essentially "eliminated" back in 2009 when categorical restrictions on funding were lifted for school sites. The block grants established by AB 825 and used as restricted funding, one of which was the library funding block grant, were made "unrestricted" and school libraries suddenly became unfunded as schools chose to use those funds for what they considered more urgent needs.
ReplyDeleteThe real funding for school libraries was in the late 1990's and early 2000's when the California Public School Library Act began and spending in the state went up to approximately $150 million dollars annually. The state cut this by 87% in 2002 in order to cut spending and continued to cut it, bringing spending down to 4.2 million by 2005. The Block Grant brought much needed funding back, approximately $25 million, but that money was "unrestricted" in 2009 as schools demanded more freedom in making spending choices.
For more detailed information on this and other library funding issues, you can go to California EdFacts page on the CDE website:
http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/cr/cf/cefschoollibraries.asp
Thanks for the history on school library funding in California. I'm still learning and trying to sort things out.
DeleteIt is a confusing and mostly discouraging mess of the (lack) funding really. When it is left up to the individual school sites and districts, programs and staffing end up all over the place.
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