California Schools Lose Millions in Attendance Funds Due to Low Vaccination Rates

State audits find over 1,000 schools with low immunization rates, costing districts like San Francisco, Oakland, and Los Angeles millions in funding.

Feb. 27, 2026 at 10:33pm by Ben Kaplan

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

California schools lost over $2.2 million in state funding over two years due to low student vaccination rates, according to data from state audits of more than 1,000 public schools. The loss of average daily attendance funding impacted districts across the state, including large ones like Los Angeles Unified, San Francisco Unified, and Oakland Unified, as well as smaller districts like Snowline Joint Unified and Ojai Unified. Schools are now required to develop corrective action plans to improve compliance with state vaccination laws.

Why it matters

The loss of attendance funding highlights the financial impact of low vaccination rates in California schools, which can put student health at risk and lead to the spread of preventable diseases like measles. The audits and funding penalties aim to incentivize schools to improve immunization compliance and protect public health.

The details

The state audits found that more than 10% of kindergartners or 7th graders at over 1,000 schools were not fully vaccinated in 2023 and 2024. As a result, 72 districts with at least one audited school lost funding, with the largest losses seen by Los Angeles Unified ($324,055), San Francisco Unified ($315,775), and Oakland Unified ($155,347). Even smaller districts like Snowline Joint Unified and Ojai Unified lost significant amounts, $195,390 and $166,993 respectively, due to the state's school funding system.

  • In 2023 and 2024, the two years reviewed by the audits.
  • Last year, 428 schools were identified as having low vaccination rates and are being audited by the state.
  • So far in 2026, there have already been 19 reported cases of measles in California.

The players

California Department of Education

The state agency responsible for overseeing and enforcing vaccination requirements in California schools.

Los Angeles Unified School District

The largest school district in California, with over 400,000 students, which lost $324,055 in attendance funding due to low vaccination rates.

San Francisco Unified School District

A large school district in California with about 50,000 students, which lost $315,775 in attendance funding due to low vaccination rates.

Oakland Unified School District

A school district in California that lost $155,347 in attendance funding over two years due to issues verifying compliance with state vaccination requirements.

Muntu Davis

The Los Angeles County Health Officer, who emphasized the importance of the MMR vaccine in preventing measles and protecting communities.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We take this responsibility seriously and appreciate the families who have worked with us to obtain required immunizations for their children. We are working diligently to ensure students are immunized as required by law.”

— Laura Dudnick, Director of Communications, San Francisco Unified School District (EdSource)

“The MMR vaccine is the safest and most reliable way to prevent measles and protect yourself, your family, and your community. Measles spreads easily and can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death.”

— Muntu Davis, Los Angeles County Health Officer (EdSource)

What’s next

The 428 schools identified as having low vaccination rates will continue to be audited by the state, and the districts must develop corrective action plans to improve compliance with vaccination requirements.

The takeaway

The significant financial penalties imposed on California schools due to low vaccination rates underscore the importance of maintaining high immunization levels to protect student health and prevent the spread of preventable diseases. This issue highlights the need for continued education, outreach, and support to ensure families understand the importance of vaccinations and comply with state laws.