Public postsecondary education: Higher Education Funding Formula.
If enacted, AB 1364 would significantly alter the way public colleges and universities allocate state funding, ensuring a consistent and increased financial support system for schools catering to a higher percentage of low-income and at-risk students. By linking funding to the success and retention of these populations, it underscores the fundamental belief that educational institutions must adjust their resource allocation to meet the unique needs of diverse student demographics, particularly as students transition from K-12 to higher education.
Assembly Bill 1364, introduced by Assembly Member McCarty, seeks to establish a new funding formula for California's public postsecondary education system, particularly benefiting underserved student populations. The bill mandates that beginning in the 2018-2019 fiscal year, the state will provide additional funding based on the enrollment numbers of economically disadvantaged students who qualify as 'unduplicated pupils' under the existing local control funding formula (LCFF) utilized in K-12 education. The bill highlights the importance of equitable educational opportunities and seeks to support historically underrepresented groups to enhance their academic achievements in institutions of higher education.
The sentiment surrounding AB 1364 is largely positive among advocates for educational equity, who see it as a crucial step towards leveling the academic playing field for all students, irrespective of socio-economic status. However, some legislators express caution about the financial implications and sustainability of increased funding. Concerns are raised regarding whether the state can effectively manage this funding increase without adversely affecting other areas of the budget, possibly leading to contentious discussions in future legislative sessions.
The main contention surrounding AB 1364 lies in the allocation of additional resources to community colleges and state universities, particularly how these funds will be disbursed and monitored for efficacy. Critics question the criteria for determining which students qualify as helpful for the funding formula and propose that additional parameters are necessary to prevent misuse of funds. The bill indicates an intent to later establish a regulatory framework for ensuring that funding is used to genuinely support services like tutoring, counseling, and other mechanisms that foster students' academic success.