California has steadily increased per-pupil funding for K–12 education since the enactment of the Local Control Funding Formula in 2013. However, the financial reality for school districts remains challenging. As detailed in Silent Recession: Why California School Districts Are Underwater Despite Increases in Funding, many education expenses have continued to grow far beyond increases in revenues.

This executive summary outlines key budget strategies identified in the follow-up report, Education Budget Strategies for Challenging Times: How California School Districts Are Addressing the Silent Recession. These strategies fall into four broad categories: increasing effectiveness, increasing efficiency, focusing on high-leverage budget decisions, and strengthening communication and collaboration.

This summary was produced by the Comprehensive School Assistance Program at WestEd.

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