Article by John Fensterwald, EdSource

A state committee unanimously approved the allocation of remaining funds from a previous school construction bond while bracing for a lawsuit from small, low-wealth districts over unfair funding distribution. Civil rights advocates argue that California’s first-come, first-served system heavily favors wealthy districts that have ready cash and staff to apply early, leaving underfunded schools with aging facilities completely locked out. The hearing served as a direct preview of the legal battles challenging the equity of how the state distributes billions of dollars in school facility grants.