On January 25, 2023, the State Allocation Board (“SAB”) increased the per pupil grant amounts awarded to school districts qualifying for new construction or modernization funding under the School Facility Program (“SFP”). The 9.3 percent increase is the second highest since 2005, reflecting continued high inflation and corresponding increases in construction costs.
Eligibility for new construction or modernization SFP funding is tied to student enrollment. In the case of new construction, funding is determined by the number of projected students that a school district does not have adequate facilities to house. (Ed. Code, § 17072.10, subd. (a).) In the case of modernization, funding is tied to the number of students housed in school buildings with modernization eligibility. (Ed. Code, § 17074.10, subd. (a).) This is why the per pupil grant amounts are so significant.
Every year, the SAB must adjust the per pupil grant amounts consistent with changes in construction costs. (Ed. Code, § 17072.10, subd. (b); Ed. Code, § 17074.10, subd. (b).) Since 2015, the adjustments have been based on changes in the Construction Cost Index published by RS Means.
In 2022, with inflation higher than it had been in 40 years, and inflation in construction costs higher still, the SAB approved a 15.8 percent grant increase. This year, with inflation slowing but still high, the adjustment was a more modest 9.3 percent. For the sake of context, in 2020 and 2021, the grant increases were 2.08 percent and 1.42 percent, respectively.
The 2023 per pupil grant amount increases are effective as of January 1st of this year. The updated base grant amounts can be found in the tables below.
| RS Means 9.30% | |||
| Grade Level | Regulation Section | Current Adjusted Grant Per Pupil Effective 1-1-22 | Potential Grant Per Pupil Effective 1-1-23 |
| Elementary | 1859.71 | $14,623 | $15,983 |
| Middle | 1859.71 | $15,466 | $16,904 |
| High | 1859.71 | $19,679 | $21,509 |
| Special Day Class – Severe | 1859.71.1 | $41,090 | $44,911 |
| Special Day Class – Non-Severe | 1859.71.1 | $27,480 | $30,036 |
| RS Means 9.30% | |||
| Grade Level | Regulation Section | Current Adjusted Grant Per Pupil Effective 1-1-22 | Potential Grant Per Pupil Effective 1-1-23 |
| Elementary | 1859.78 | $5,568 | $6,086 |
| Middle | 1859.78 | $5,888 | $6,436 |
| High | 1859.78 | $7,710 | $8,427 |
| Special Day Class – Severe | 1859.78.3 | $17,746 | $19,396 |
| Special Day Class – Non-Severe | 1859.78.3 | $11,873 | $12,977 |
Please note that districts can seek additional funding for particular facilities needs. If you have specific questions about the SFP, we recommend contacting your regular Tao Rossini counsel.
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