3. Implement regional cost adjustments; 4. Provide more state aid to lower-wealth districts; and 5. Capture and redistribute some or all excess property tax revenues. (6/6)

We offer five potential pathways to funding fairness: 1. Require some districts to consolidate or share services; 2. Expand interdistrict transfer and related choice policies… (5/6)

The average excess advantage district generated $7,197 per pupil above LCFF targets, with more than a dozen such districts benefitting from $20,000+ per pupil in excess revenue. (4/6)

These “excess advantage” districts continue to gain more inflation-adjusted per-pupil General Fund revenue, widening the gap and contradicting the state’s school funding principles. (3/6)

139 districts—serving just 5.5 percent of California’s TK–12 students—are benefitting from growing funding advantages. Just 50 of these districts generated $1.15 billion in excess revenue (87% of the statewide total) in 2023–24. (2/6)

I'm pleased to share a new report I coauthored with @bellwetherorg.bsky.social's Sophie Zamarripa and @edpolicyinca.org's @agallagheredpolicy.bsky.social, sharing findings from the first major study of basic aid districts since LCFF was enacted in California. edpolicyinca.org/publications... (1/6)

One more reason K-12 schools need to be watching immigration trends closely: "In a negative-immigration world, the under-18 population would quickly fall."

The US Population Could Shrink in 2025, For the First Time Ever
www.derekthompson.org/p/the-us-pop...

Balanced, insightful take by @latimes.com Howard Blume on enrollment decline in LAUSD, drawing upon new data from Los Angeles nonprofit GPSN on what steeply plummeting enrollment means for LA schools, students, and families.

Make the data matter. When districts see benefits (or consequences) to what they're reporting -- and when they don't feel like they're uploading information into a black hole -- data quality will improve.

Low-income communities and communities of color do not have to be devastated by school closures.

There’s a better way: Equity-centered whole-school magnet programs that boost enrollment AND diversity.

We partnered with the good folks at ‪@tcfdotorg.bsky.social‬ to map out how 🧵👇

🚨 NEW! 🚨

Bellwether analyzed data from over 9,300 school districts across the country to explore warning signs of coming school closures.

From Christine Dickason, Paul Beach, Carrie Hahnel, and
Andy Jacob.

bellwether.org/publications...

New analysis from me, Paul Beach, @carriehahnel.bsky.social, & Andy Jacob on several leading indicators that suggest school closures may become more frequent. #edusky

➡️ The analysis: bellwether.org/publications...

📰 K-12 Dive coverage @annamerod.bsky.social: www.k12dive.com/news/school-...

Excellent reporting on the consequences of declining enrollment and district leaders' reluctance to make tough decisions.

As federal support for English learners wanes, states have an opportunity - and responsibility - to lead. We lay out concrete actions states can take now to support English learners in the midst of a swiftly changing federal landscape. Read here: bellwether.org/publications... #EdPolicy #ELs

If bilingual education can thrive in Texas, it should also be possible in deep blue California. Great story from @edsource.org showing what's possible and what it would take to get there. edsource.org?page_id=730896

Change is coming to California’s schools as enrollment falls. Will district leaders put off tough choices or lead the way?

Bellwether's new toolkit provides research-backed strategies for school systems facing declining enrollment.

bellwether.org/publications...

Portland Public Schools faces a tricky dilemma: whether to advance a costly bond to modernize high school facilities while enrollment is expected to drop steeply in the coming years. Will there be enough students to fill those high schools?

Great reporting from Joanna Hou.

School closures are a tough reality yet thoughtful planning can help ensure value and equity in the process. @carriehahnel.bsky.social, PACE Sr. Policy & Research Fellow / Bellwether Sr. Associate Partner in Policy & Evaluation, shares key strategies. districtadministration.com/article/how-... (1/4)

Reforming how a state funds its higher ed institutions is hard and important work. Perhaps no one knows this better than #highered leaders in IL, who are working to pass a new funding formula that focuses on adequacy & equity. Read my new Q&A w/some of these leaders. bellwether.org/blog/dollars...

Grateful for local reporters tackling issues like inequitable school property taxes. I spoke with Tarini Mehta @northbaynews.bsky.social on why California "basic aid" districts like wealthy St. Helena vastly outspend needier neighbors like Napa Valley: www.pressdemocrat.com/article/napa...

Inspired by today's conversation about an education civil rights agenda for California's next quarter century.

Was awesome to be in a room with so many researchers, advocates, and civil rights greats like Tom Saenz, Patricia Gandara, Mark Rosenblum, Maria Echaveste, and my old prof Gary Orfield.

Nobody wants to close schools, but a thoughtful closure process help ensure long-term solvency and a stronger, better resourced system.

I enjoyed speaking with Carolyn Jones @calmatters.org about California's steep declining enrollment, state budget uncertainties, and impending school closures. calmatters.org/education/k-...

Hi BlueSky! I'm a Sr Associate Partner at Bellwether, where I conduct research and advise on education policy. Things I'm passionate about these days: K12 and postsecondary finance, declining enrollment, school closures, system redesign, protecting marginalized youth, building abundance.