Superintendent’s response to LCAP Advisory and DELAC comments:
Prior to adoption of the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) or an annual update to the LCAP, the superintendent of the school district shall present the LCAP or annual update to the parent advisory committee established pursuant to Section 52063 and English Learner parent advisory committee established pursuant to 52063 for review and comment. Those comments and superintendent of the school district’s response follow:
1. What does “Unduplicated Students” mean and how does this effect RUSD?
Superintendent’s Response:
Unduplicated count of students refers to pupils who (1) are English learners, (2) meet income or categorical eligibility requirements for free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program, or (3) are foster youth. “Unduplicated count” means that each pupil is counted only once even if the pupil meets more than one of these criteria (EC sections 2574(b)(2) and 42238.02(b)(1)). The District receives additional funding called Supplemental and Concentration funds in order to meet the unique needs of these important student groups. Those funds are allocated by the state to the District according to the percentage of unduplicated count student. The District has approximately 67% of unduplicated count population.
2. Are the District funds already set for certain areas or can the funds be distributed to other areas that have bigger needs?
Superintendent’s Response:
The District takes seriously its responsibility to plan for and allocate funds to priorities, programs, initiatives and supports that we believe will be the most effective in helping all students become college, career and world ready. Those plans are published in the District’s Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP). The current LCAP is a three-year plan that is updated each year and, if necessary, actions and services are modified. As District needs change or new needs are identified, RUSD reevaluates where we allocate funds and makes adjustments accordingly.
3. What is the district doing in the LCAP to make classes smaller for teachers?
Superintendent’s Response:
Legislation enacted in 2013-2014 requires school districts to make grade span adjustments (GSA) in grades kindergarten through third to a target level of 24 to 1 by 2021. The District has steadily reduced class sizes in grades K, 2, and 3 to meet that requirement. The state partially funds GSA for grades K-3 but that funding is not enough to cover all costs of reducing class sizes. The District supports GSA in our Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP), as it is in alignment with Board priorities and District goals. In 2018-19, RUSD will be at a GSA of 24 to 1 in grades K-3.