Skip to main content
Binary joke: There are 10 kinds of educators: those that understand binary and those that do not.

SDLA Compliance Resource

Submit the 2026–27 Mandate Block Grant Application

An implementation guide for deciding whether to participate in the Mandate Block Grant, completing the CDE application, and documenting the election by August 30.

  • Fiscal & Budget
Date(s)Application due August 30, 2026 (some county offices set an earlier internal date)
Applies toSchool districts, county offices of education, and charter schools

In Plain Language: Instead of filing detailed mandate reimbursement claims, LEAs can receive a per-ADA block grant that covers the state mandates listed in GC 17581.6(f). To receive 2026–27 funding, the LEA must complete CDE's online application by August 30, 2026. An LEA that does not want to participate can say so on the application or by email.

Why this matters

Missing the deadline forfeits the year's block grant. LEAs that do not participate must instead file state mandate claims with the State Controller, which requires detailed cost documentation.

Joint ownership

District: chief business official decides and submits; the application contact listed in the California School Directory receives the password. CDE: administers the application and apportionment. County office: may collect copies or set an earlier date.

From a participation decision to a submitted Mandate Block Grant application: the SDLA ITO workflow

The Mandate Block Grant application is short, but it decides a year of mandate funding. This SDLA ITO (Input, Transformation, Output) graphic shows how the inputs become the outputs in 9 steps.

SDLA ITO: 9 steps. Input: read the CDE RFA and letter; confirm the directory contact; pull ADA and mandate costs. Transformation: decide on participation; complete the application; record the decision. Output: submitted application; budget entry; retained documentation.
Read down each column, then move to the next: Input identifies what to collect; Transformation covers decide on participation; complete the application; record the decision; Output delivers submitted application; budget entry; retained documentation. Submit by August 30, 2026.

Open the full-size workflow graphic

Implementation workflow

  1. Early AugustReview the RFA.Read the current RFA and confirm the directory contact.
  2. Mid-AugustDecide.Choose to participate or file mandate claims instead.
  3. By August 30Submit.Complete the CDE application and save the confirmation.
  4. After submissionBudget and file.Record block-grant revenue and retain documentation.

Mandate Block Grant checklist

  • California School Directory contact verified.
  • Participation decision documented.
  • Application submitted and confirmation saved before August 30.
  • County internal deadline met if earlier.
  • Revenue reflected in the 2026–27 budget.

Official guidance and help

Source review completed October 25, 2026. Verify the current RFA and any earlier county office deadline before submitting.