PLACERVILLE, Calif. — A growing fiscal imbalance is forcing school districts across California, including those in El Dorado County, to confront difficult budget decisions as rising costs outstrip revenues, according to local education leaders.
In the Buckeye Union School District, Superintendent David Roth says the district is increasingly relying on one-time funds to sustain ongoing programs — a practice widely viewed by fiscal experts as unsustainable.
“Revenues are not keeping pace with costs, and cuts are on the way,” Roth said in a recent public commentary. “We are increasingly reliant on one-time funds to pay for ongoing programs.”
Programs at Risk
Among the most immediate impacts: the district’s elementary physical education program is expected to be cut in half next year. Library and counseling services may also face reductions if current revenue projections hold.
At the same time, class sizes remain elevated, with some elementary classrooms reaching between 28 and 34 students — significantly higher than levels seen prior to the Great Recession, when early-grade classes averaged closer to 20 students.
Funding Model Under Strain
California’s Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), enacted in 2013, was designed to promote equity by directing additional resources to high-need students. While widely regarded as a principled reform, education leaders say inflation and structural cost increases are undermining its effectiveness.
State investments in equity-based funding now approach $20 billion annually, and Gov. Gavin Newsom has proposed adding $1 billion in ongoing support for community schools. However, district leaders argue that these increases have not kept pace with rising operational expenses.
Rising Costs Across the Board
Key cost drivers include:
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Employer pension contributions rising from 8.25% in 2013 to about 20% today
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Health insurance premiums increasing by as much as 25% in some districts
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Special education costs consuming a growing share of general funds
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Insurance premiums in some districts increasing fivefold over the past decade
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Technology investments becoming a permanent and expanding expense
Declining enrollment has compounded the issue, reducing revenue while limiting districts’ ability to scale operations efficiently.
Widening Funding Gaps
According to Roth’s analysis of state data, disparities in per-student funding have widened significantly under the current system. In 2013, fewer than 70 districts fell notably below the statewide median funding level. By 2024, that number had grown to more than 215 districts — representing over 20% of those statewide.
On average, these districts receive roughly $2,300 less per student than the statewide median, creating what Roth describes as a “structural disadvantage” in maintaining programs.
Calls for Action
Organizations such as the Public Policy Institute of California and the California Legislative Analyst’s Office have outlined potential reforms, but district leaders emphasize that increasing base funding levels is the only solution that addresses systemic adequacy.
Roth is among a coalition of superintendents advocating for change through the Raise the Base campaign, urging lawmakers to prioritize funding stability in the next state budget cycle.
“The evidence is clear. The crisis is here,” Roth said. “Every day we delay means another counselor cut, another library closed, another overcrowded classroom.”
Local Impact, Statewide Stakes
For families in El Dorado County, the implications are immediate: fewer student services, larger class sizes, and reduced access to enrichment programs. For policymakers, the issue underscores a broader challenge — balancing equity-driven funding with the baseline financial needs of all districts.
Absent structural changes, local educators warn the gap between resources and reality will continue to widen.
