The Aggregate Expenditure Limit (AEL) for K-12 schools was passed by voters in 1980, as a cap on what public schools can spend each year. The formula used to calculate the annual expenditure limit proves challenging, as districts often can't spend their entire budget, even though the Legislature has allocated the funds to them, since it exceeds the AEL. 

Over the last two years, during budget negotiations, the Legislature and the Governor have come to an agreement to allow districts to exceed the AEL on a yearly basis, ensuring K-12 public schools can spend all of the funds allocated to them, allowing districts the certainty to remain open and staffed throughout the entire year. We are advocating for the same process this year, allowing K-12 schools to know that next year (fiscal year 2026) they will be able to spend their entire budget and not worry about the AEL. 

While a permanent solution needs to be found, this temporary solution takes the stress off of K-12 schools and allows them to focus on students. 

Please reach out to your elected officials and let them know you are advocating for an AEL waiver, for the 25-26 school year, during budget negotiations.