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Why This Site Exists

California sends billions of dollars to school districts every year — but the data is buried in spreadsheets most people can't read. This site translates that data into plain English, for every district in the state, for free.

There are no ads here. No investors. No corporate sponsors. Just a small team doing this because school workers, parents, and community members deserve to know where the money goes.

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Supporter Levels — Suggested Donations

Every level gets full access to everything on the site. These are suggested amounts — give what feels right. Your support keeps this free for everyone else.

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Level 1
Community Supporter
For curious neighbors, parents, and first-time visitors who want to understand school finance.
Suggested Donation:
$5
A small token of support
  • Full district apportionment report (P-1)
  • LCFF, EPA, Special Ed, Transportation totals
  • Year-over-year comparison (P-1 vs. Annual)
  • Apportionment guides & FAQ library
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Level 3
Champion Supporter
For organizations, advocates, and power users who rely on this data regularly and want to invest in the mission.
Suggested Donation:
$100+
Per year — covers real staff time
  • Everything in Levels 1 & 2
  • Featured in our Champion Supporters list
  • Submit questions directly to our research team
  • Input on which districts or features we add next
  • Annual CA Education Legislation Summary
  • Helps fund a full year of this work
Become a Champion →
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How Your Support Is Used

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Data Updates

Three apportionment cycles per year — P-1, P-2, and Annual — each require hours of processing and verification.

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Plain-Language Writing

Translating CDE budget language into guides, FAQs, and explainers that anyone can understand.

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Legislation Tracking

Following CA education bills through the legislative session and summarizing what they mean for school communities.

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Site Improvements

Building new features like downloadable reports, additional visualizations, and multi-district comparison tools.

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Can't Donate? Spread the Word

The best thing you can do is share this with someone who needs it.

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Parents & school board members — share the district report at your next school board meeting. Ask the board to explain any changes in state funding.
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School employees — forward the link to your chapter or site rep. Every educator deserves to see how much the state actually sent to their district.
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Local journalists & bloggers — this data is publicly sourced and free to cite. If you cover education, we'd love a mention.
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Community organizations — PTAs, school site councils, and advocacy groups can use this data in their own presentations and communications.
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Link to us — if you have a website, blog, or newsletter, a link to CASchoolBudgetData.com helps more Californians find this resource.
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Donate via PayPal

Every contribution — big or small — helps keep this site free, independent, and up to date for all Californians. Click the button or scan the QR code below to donate securely through PayPal. No account required.

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