Emergency average daily attendance.
The bill requires the Superintendent of Public Instruction to extend the periods in which school districts and charter schools can seek relief for reductions in average daily attendance. This is particularly critical for areas where at least 5% of residences have been destroyed during a declared state of emergency, such as the devastating Camp Fire in 2018. By facilitating additional funding through these adjustments, AB 297 promotes educational stability and aids recovery efforts for affected school systems, ensuring they receive necessary resources to continue operations during challenging times.
Assembly Bill 297, authored by Assembly Member Gallagher, addresses the impacts on education funding in the wake of natural disasters, specifically related to changes in average daily attendance. It amends Section 46392 of the Education Code to allow extensions to the periods during which average daily attendance may be considered for funding purposes, primarily for school districts and charter schools that have experienced substantial decreases in attendance due to emergency situations declared by the Governor. The bill specifically addresses emergencies like wildfires, which have significant impacts on local communities, families, and their children’s educational opportunities.
Supporters of AB 297 view it as an essential measure to support communities grappling with the aftermath of disasters. The sentiment is largely positive among educators and administrators, who acknowledge the financial strain that emergency situations place on schools. However, concerns are raised about the potential for disparities in resource allocation, especially if some districts fail to demonstrate the requisite impact of a state of emergency effectively. Overall, the general sentiment leans towards the recognition of the necessity for flexibility in funding amidst crises.
Criticism primarily surrounds the implementation and effectiveness of determining eligibility for extended periods of average daily attendance adjustments. Opponents contend that the criteria for qualifying emergencies could be cumbersome and may not adequately capture the full range of impacts experienced by various school districts. There are also concerns regarding the speed of decision-making, as timely support is critical following emergencies to ensure educational continuity for students and families.