05.12.11: LAO Consolidation Report Update
By Walrath, David
Today, May 12, Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Education heard the Legislative Analyst’s Office recommendations regarding consolidating small school districts. The Committee took no action. From the Committee’s comments, it appears they are not interested in addressing these recommendations through the budget process. Instead they will defer to the regular legislative policy committee process if a legislator choosing to introduce legislation.
The California Department of Education testimony stressed that one size does not fit all and that any changes to small school district funding or organization should be in the context of a comprehensive school finance review that would affect all districts, not just small districts.
Because both the Assembly and the Senate appear to be deferring to policy committees, it seems this issue will not be acted upon this year and possibly will be considered in 2012.
