Funding Transition
Did you know that this school year (24/25) HBCSD is transitioning to a different funding model for our local schools? In the past, our schools have been funded using State and Federal funds earmarked for particular students or activities (Title 1, special education, etc) along with a portion of our local tax dollars based upon the daily attendance (not enrollment) at each school.
Due to declining enrollment, HBCSD now qualifies for Basic Aid funding, which means that we still receive those earmarked State and Federal funds but we keep all of our local tax dollars. This will not affect programs or curriculum in the short term and will likely go entirely unnoticed by most families. However, over time this new funding model will increase the per pupil funding available and enable HBCSD to increase spending on students, teachers, facilities and curriculum enhancements if managed properly. Now is the time to remain focused on our strategic plan to move the District forward, not get distracted by politics and social agendas.
"Book Banning?"
Despite the fact that this is NOT happening in HBCSD schools, I know it is an issue of concern for many of our families given the current political debate surrounding the Huntington Beach Public Libraries. I do not agree with the idea of removing books from public libraries. Our public libraries are there to serve everyone and therefore no one person or group should be able to remove materials simply because they do not agree with the content.
Our school libraries are different given that a child is able to choose materials without parental oversight. HBCSD librarians carefully curate the collections at each school to make sure that content is appropriate and that a variety of cultures, interests, and genres are available for children to choose. Sensitive or controversial topics are left to the public libraries where parents are better able to engage in the conversations needed to help their children navigate complex issues.