CA SB1321

Expands the definition of "necessary small school" to include elementary schools with fewer than 97 average daily attendance in school districts with 2,501 to 5,000 units of second principal apportionment average daily attendance if as many as 15 pupils would need to travel more than 30 miles one way to the nearest other public elementary school.

Requires the Superintendent of Public Instruction to apply the necessary small school funding calculation to school districts meeting the new definition, in addition to the existing smaller districts with fewer than 2,501 units of average daily attendance.

Maintains existing funding tiers for necessary small schools ranging from $52,925 for schools with fewer than 25 pupils to $211,700 for schools with 73 to 96 pupils, based on number of full-time teachers hired.

Allows school districts to continue using the small school funding formula if they meet the criteria in Section 42283, until local control funding formula grants produce equivalent state aid.

Provides an exemption process for school districts facing unusual topographical hardships or impassable roads to request a waiver or mileage reduction from the Superintendent.