Updated each year, LCAPs are a requirement of the state of California under its Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF). The school-funding model offers base-level dollars to school district for every student enrolled and additional money for “high-need” students like low-income and foster youth as well as English-language learners.
While each LCAP is meant to include parental input and reflect community ideas on how best to serve each of the three high-need student populations, Merced residents say their voices have traditionally been ignored.
The status quo in Merced is under threat, and some of those in power clearly don’t like it. Our leaders need to accept responsibility and help all Merced communities rise instead of offering false, or at best, misinformed opinions specifically intended to question the purpose and approaches of our work. Let’s be clear: they disagree with the tactics because they are afraid of the outcomes.