May Revision funds community schools, special education and proposes paid pregnancy leave; LAO flags cost and implementation questions

Melody Jimenez of the Department of Finance outlined a set of Department of Education proposals in the May Revision, including state operations funding, trailer‑bill language, and multiple program investments. She said the May Revision adds positions and nearly $43 million in state operations for 26‑27 and lists trailer bill changes for community schools, the California state preschool program, literacy and reading‑difficulty screening, charter accountability, and special education base‑rate equalization.

Edgar Cabral of the Legislative Analyst's Office supported several investments but recommended rejecting or revising some one‑time augmentations where the LAO found insufficient justification. He highlighted the $2.4 billion special education base increase and urged that ongoing allocations be prioritized over additional one‑time grants where possible.

On paid pregnancy disability leave, DOF staff provided a cost estimate: ‘‘We are estimating total annual costs of $218,000,000 — $195,000,000 for K through 12, and $23,000,000 for community colleges,’’ an administration witness said. Committee members pressed for implementation detail and raised concerns about how the proposal would interact with local bargaining, leave accounting, and differing funding streams for county offices and community‑funded districts.

The Department of Education representative acknowledged the investments and asked for clarity on targeting and reporting. DOF detailed a $485 million reappropriation to support community schools planning and implementation and a separate $1 billion ongoing apportionment. Officials described a $3 million study, $10 million for certification pilots, and ongoing technical assistance intended to produce reporting and a certification process for community schools.

Stakeholders in public comment largely supported the special education increases, community schools funding and paid pregnancy leave while urging that discretionary funds be allocated on an LCFF or per‑ADA basis and that the $3.9 billion settle‑up not be withheld from current year Prop 98 funding.