California’s school finance system is notoriously complicated. But understanding at least the basics is crucial for anyone who wants to engage in the current debates about funding and the proposed cuts for 2008-09. Here's where to find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions: Q: How does California’s education spending compare with that of other states? See California Spending Comparisons  Q: Why are there so many different numbers for per-pupil funding? See per-pupil funding calculations  Q: What are revenue limits and how do they work? See our section on Revenue Limits  Q: What is the Proposition 98 minimum guarantee and how does it work? See our Proposition 98 explanation [PDF]  Q: What are the main sources of school funding in California? See our  Q&A the basics of California's School Finance System [PDF]  Q: Why are schools laying off teachers they might hire back? See Staff Layoffs  Q: What happens to districts that don’t receive positive certifications for their financial condition? See our section on Fiscal Oversight  Q: How much have increases in education spending contributed to the state’s fiscal crisis? See  our FAQ on education spending in relation to the State Budget  Q: How has California's school finance system changed over time? See our section on the history of California school finance  Q: How will the governor's 2008-09 budget proposal affect school districts? See Analysis of Governor's 2008-09 Budget

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