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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF)?

LCFF stands for Local Control Funding Formula. Local – that means us! LCFF is a change in how the State of California funds school districts and the accountability structure that supports it.Basically, it is a change in how schools receive money from the state and how they will invest it with results. By doing this, the state is moving away from funding school districts as a “one size fits most” approach, to a new approach that provides extra support for students who need it most. This change is a major shift from the way public schools used to be funded, and will require some time to transition into this new funding system starting in the 2013­‐14 academic year. 

 

When does Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) start?

LCFF was approved by the California Legislature and Governor Brown in June 2013, and is effective for the 2013-14 academic year. Currently, school districts are being funded through a hybrid model of the previous model (Revenue Limit) and the new model (LCFF). This funding will be fully implemented by the 2010-2021 school year.

 

How long will LCFF last?

With LCFF being will be implemented over 8 years, the new formula will be the stand alone method for distributing state dollars to school districts. 

 

What is different?

Under the previous model, there were more than 40 categories of funding, each for a specific purpose identified by the State of California.  The LCFF model has basically established three forms of funding, with more local discretion on determining how the funds are spent. By being able to control the funds locally, LCFF allows LAUSD to better serve our high-needs students. 

 

What are three forms of funding under LCFF?

1. A Base Grant for every student.

 

2. A Supplemental Grant for every high-needs student (focused on all English Learners, Free and Reduced Meal eligible students, and foster youth).

 

3. A Concentration Grant for every high-needs student (focus on all English Learners, Free and Reduced Meal eligible students, and foster youth) above 55% of the district-wide enrollment. 

 

How will Montecito Union School District be accountable?

Through LCFF, school districts have to tie their budgets to improvement goals by creating a Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) with input from parent representatives and the community. This plan will be created by Montecito Union School District as a whole and approved by the Board of Education every June. Parents and other stakeholder groups will be invited to participate in the development of the LCAP.

 

What does the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) measure? 

The LCAP is focused on eight priority areas:

1. Student Achievement  - improving student achievement and outcomes

 

2. Student Engagement - improving student engagement, including attendance

 

3. Other Student Outcomes - measuring other student outcomes, including physical education and the arts

 

4. Parental Involvement - involving parents and guardians so the community is engaged in decision-making

 

5. School Climate - highlighting school climate and "connectedness"

 

6. Basic Services - providing all students with high-quality teachers, instructional materials and safe learning environments.

 

7. Common Core - support the implementation of new, rigorous academic standards in California schools

 

8. Course Access - ensuring every student has access to courses that prepare them for college and career

 

How is the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) developed?

Districts establish local goals with the input of various stakeholders to address the eight goals listed above. In addition, districts re required to indicate the steps it will take to meet the locally designed goals in specific subgroups identified in the LCAP utilizing a state issued LCAP template.

 

When is the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) adopted?

Montecito Union School District must adopt an LCAP at the same time it adopts its' budget, which is prior to July 1st of every year.

 

What is the term of the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP)?

The LCAP is a three-year plan that has to be updated annually.