Education Budget

Public school funding is the largest program in the state budget, receiving more than 40 percent of the state's General Fund resources. The 2012–13 state budget includes $38 billion for kindergarten through grade twelve (K–12) education. Overall spending for California public schools is about $68 billion when federal funds and other funding sources are added.

The annual state budget is put in place by the Legislature and the Governor. The budget cycle begins when the Governor releases a proposed budget in January. The Legislature reviews the proposed budget and makes changes based on its priorities. The Governor proposes budget revisions in May based on new information about state revenues. In June, the Legislature votes on the budget and sends it to the Governor for signature. The Governor can reduce spending items before approving the final budget.

The state budget directs how education funds are to be spent. At the local level, budgets are set by local school boards. Proposition 98, put in place by voters in the late 1980s, sets minimum funding levels for K–12 schools and community colleges.

The Education Budget - CalEdFacts page, now in electronic format only, provides information about the education budget.
The links and information below were developed for educators and others who use education budget information.

2013–14

Local Control Funding Formula
California's new school funding formula, enacted in 2013. Actual funding allocations, when available, will be available via the Principal Apportionment page.

Budget Act for 2013–14
July 24, 2013: Letter to County and District Superintendents, Direct-Funded Charter Administrators, and County Chief Business Officers regarding the 2013–14 Budget Act.

Governor's Budget for 2013–14
Letter regarding the Governor's budget proposals that affect kindergarten through grade twelve education and child care, posted on March 4, 2013.

2012–13

2012–13 Budget Tables
Table summaries of the 2012–13 state education budget, posted on August 10, 2012.

Budget Act for 2012–13
August 6, 2012: Letter to County and District Superintendents, Direct-Funded Charter Administrators, and County Chief Business Officers regarding the 2012–13 Budget Act and related legislation.(Revised September 28, 2012, to reflect changes in Senate Bill 1028, Chapter 575, Statutes of 2012.)

Governor's Budget for 2012–13
Letter regarding the Governor’s budget proposals that affect kindergarten through grade twelve education and child care, posted on February 28, 2012.

2011–12

2011–12 Budget Tables
Tabular summaries of the 2011–12 state education budget, posted on September 14, 2011.

2011 Budget Act and Related Legislation (Revised)
July 25, 2011: Revised letter to County and District Superintendents, Direct-Funded Charter Administrators, and County Chief Business Officers regarding the 2011–12 Budget Act and related legislation.

Governor's Budget for 2011–12 and Legislative Actions to Date
Letter regarding the Governor’s budget proposals that affect kindergarten through grade 12 education and child care, posted on April 26, 2011.

2010–11

2010–11 Budget Tables
Tabular summaries of the 2010–11 state education budget, posted on April 19, 2011.

2010 Budget Act and Related Legislation (PDF)
December 1, 2010: Letter to County and District Superintendents, Direct-Funded Charter Administrators, and County Chief Business Officers regarding the 2010–11 Budget Act and related legislation.

Governor's Budget for 2010–11 (PDF)
Summary of the Governor's Budget for 2010–11 released in January 2010.

2009–10

Report on the Budget Act of 2009 (Revised Aug-2010; PDF)
Detailed summary of the 2009–10 state education budget.

Action on the 2008 and 2009 Budget Acts
Detailed summaries of the February 2009 and July 2009 actions on the 2008–09 and 2009–10 state education budgets.

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
Information on the education-related aspects of the federal stimulus package known as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009.

2008–09

Report on the Budget Act of 2008 (PDF)
Detailed summary of the 2008–09 state education budget.

Summary of Budget Changes (PDF)
Budget changes resulting from the special session.

2007–08

Report on the Budget Act of 2007 (PDF)
Detailed summary of the 2007–08 state education budget.

2006–07

Report on the Budget Act of 2006 (PDF; 1MB)
Detailed summary of the 2006–07 state education budget.

2005–06

Report on the Budget Act of 2005 (PDF)
Detailed summary of the 2005–06 state education budget.

2004–05

Report on the Budget Act of 2004 (PDF)
Detailed summary of the 2004–05 state education budget.

2003–04

2003 Budget Act and Related Legislation
Focuses on the major highlights of the 2003 Budget Act, AB 1765 (Chapter 157, Statutes of 2003).

2002–03

Report on the Budget Act of 2002 (PDF; 1MB)
Detailed summary of the 2002–03 state education budget.

Questions: Carol Bingham | cbingham@cde.ca.gov | 916-324-4728

Download Free Readers