Each district in the state has a different combination of federal, state and local funding sources.
The amount is based on:
1. Average Daily Attendance (or ADA): the average number of students in attendance during the designated school year.
2. The level of funding allowed in each district: The revenue limit, as determined by legislation in a calculation based on a 1972 figure, adjusted for inflation. The revenue limit varies from district to district.
3. Qualification of the district students or programs for special support beyond the revenue limit. These funds are provided based on the number of qualifying students (for instance, over 38% of CUSD students qualify for free or reduced lunches and other programs designed to serve low income students) or to support specific district programs (federal magnet programs, bilingual education etc.). Use of these funds is restricted to the specific purpose, program or students they are designed to serve. The district receives and accounts for about 107 separate federal, state and local categorical funding sources.
There are two types of funds in district and school budgets:
1. General purpose funds are apportioned to each district based on ADA and revenue limit. These funds may be used at the district’s discretion to meet the educational needs of students. The majority of funds support teacher salaries and benefits.
2. Restricted state, federal and local funds -- The majority of these funds, including Special Education, Gifted and Talented Education, Targeted Instructional Improvement, Transportation, Economic Impact Aid, and Bilingual Education, are spent at the school site and are aligned with site plans for student achievement.
|