LCAP
What is LCAP Funding in California?
LCAP in California: It stands for the Local Control and Accountability Plan. These plans represent a big change in how California manages its school finances. To understand LCAPs you need to know another acronym: LCFF, which stands for Local Control Funding Formula. LCAPs are the central documents for making sure that local control over funding (LCFF) for schools is spelled out clearly and follows the law based on the 2013-14 California state budget that was passed with bi-partisan support and signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown.
The LCFF calls for school districts to set both district-wide and school-wide goals and spells out the specific action steps needed to achieve those goals for all students but especially for English Learners, foster youth, and low-income students. All members of the school community must be involved in developing, reviewing and supporting the LCAPs: parents, students, community members, school employees and other stakeholders.
The LCAP is designed to provide school districts and their communities with more local control and make it easier to respond to the needs of their students. At the same, the LCAP makes school districts more accountable to provide the necessary programs and resources to create a level playing field for all students. Finally, for the first time ever the LCAP gives parents access to the school district’s budget and planning process and allows parents to help determine its local priorities and approach.
The LCAP is measured according to eight priorities:
1. Student Engagement
2. Parent Involvement
3. School Climate
4. Student Outcomes
5. Student Achievement
6. Course Access
7. Implementation of State Standards
8. Basic Services