CA AB716

Eliminates the previous single consolidated application system for state categorical programs and establishes a new system allowing local educational agencies (school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools) to submit a single consolidated application for federal categorical programs under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and state categorical programs not funded through the local control funding formula.

Requires schools operating programs that need a School Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA) to adopt an SPSA that consolidates all required program plans, with schoolsite councils responsible for developing and approving the SPSA based on comprehensive needs assessments and including goals, evidence-based strategies, and proposed expenditures.

Mandates that schools operating programs requiring an SPSA establish a schoolsite council with specific membership requirements: elementary schools must have equal representation between school staff/principal and parents/community members, while secondary schools must additionally include student representatives.

Allows schools with fewer than 300 pupils to share a schoolsite council with other nearby schools under certain conditions, and authorizes the State Board of Education to grant waivers of schoolsite council provisions.

Repeals former Chapter 12 (commencing with Section 52850) of Part 28 relating to the previous consolidated application system for state categorical programs.