California's school funding system creates vast disparities, with some schools receiving three times more per student than others. - Pinedale Elementary in Clovis Unified gets $16,700 per student; Kratt Elementary in Fresno Unified gets $25,000; Portola Valley Elementary gets $46,000.
- Low funding correlates with low test scores: 5% of Pinedale students met math standards vs. 85% at Portola Valley.
- State Senator Dave Cortez proposes a constitutional amendment to create a reserve fund for non-basic aid districts. - Governor Newsom's budget adds $1 billion to base grants, but administrators say more is needed.
The gap threatens basic programs like PE, libraries, and counselors in mid-level districts.