The Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) determines how money and resources reach California public school students.The full promise of LCFF for stronger public schools, greater education equity and shared decisionmaking with students, families and educators has yet to be fully realized, but together, we are the ones who can make it work.
 
That’s why we’re launching #WeMakeLCFFWork today so that students, families and communities can engage in the decisions that impact them most in their schools and districts. Throughout February, we’ll share tools and best practices that highlight how communities can and are building stronger cultures of engagement to address racism and inequities in their schools. 
 
This week, we're kicking off with a primer on just what LCFF is, and why it matters.
 
Actions you can take online this week
Check out the full social media toolkit for this week. You can also j oin our Twitter Party on Wednesday at 12:00pm by following #WeMakeLCFFWork for some real talk and Q&A about LCFF successes and challenges. 
Just what the heck is LCFF?
 
We've identified seven resources that can help explain how California's education funding law works. We hope you can share them widely using our social media toolkit!
Animated LCFF video

Ever wonder how billions in education funds are spent in California? Check out our new 68-second animated video , which shows exactly how the law is transforming education for the better. ( Spanish-language version )
LCFF matters to students and families of color
A story by Californians for Justice on why LCFF matters to students and families of color. Features grassroots partners including RYSE, Bay Area PLAN and Faith In Action East Bay.
A comprehensive guide to school funding for parents
Families in Schools has assembled this guide to help parents understand the basics of LCFF and the LCAP. 
Budget? Huh?
LCFF promised meaningful community engagement but parents and students were often given budgets that were opaque and inaccessible. This new tool helps break down your district’s budget and LCAP spending. Learn more with this Public Advocates blog post . ( Spanish-language version )
Dive in: How schools get their funding
Prior to 2013, California had an almost impossibly complex system for allocating funds to school districts. That system was erased when lawmakers created LCFF, a much simpler and fairer set of rules. Check out this guide by Ed100 into exactly how funding is distributed.
What have we learned from LCFF so far?
The lessons from LCFF to reimagine, enact, and implement a better system offer guidance for all those looking to make—or influence—education policy. Check out this blog post from the Learning Policy Institute.
How would Schools and Communities First make LCFF more effective? 
LCFF made education funding more fair and shifted resources to the highest need students. But it did not meaningfully increase the total amount of money we invest in our schools. In fact, California has underfunded schools for decades, and today has one of the lowest levels of per-pupil spending nationwide. We can change that with the Schools and Communities First ballot initiative ! ( Spanish version )
Be part of the campaign!

Sign up to support the campaign throughout the month of February here . And follow along on Twitter and Facebook with #WeMakeLCFFWork
 
Have questions about how LCFF works? Call the #WeMakeLCFFWork Resource Helpline at 323-352-9096
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