Gov. Brown Signs School-Funding Changes Into Law

SACRAMENTO (AP) — Gov. Jerry Brown is signing legislation that changes the state funding formula for K-12 schools in a way he hopes will help boost achievement for disadvantaged students.

Brown signed AB97, AB91 and AB86 at a Los Angeles elementary school Monday.

The Democratic governor pushed for the change, known as the "Local Control Funding Formula." It will send $2.1 billion more to school districts that have high numbers of students from lower-income families, who have limited English proficiency or are foster children.

The formula also gives school districts more control over state aid by eliminating earmarks for state-mandated programs. Democratic lawmakers say districts will be responsible for tracking students' success, but Republicans say the spending plan lacks accountability.

Brown also signed AB94, which provides college grants to middle income families.

The money will not help several Sacramento-area schools recently targeted for closure due to low enrollment.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.