This past budget cycle, the California legislature ended the practice of direct-funding for Regional Occupation Center and Programs (ROCP) to fully implement the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF). This is the last year that funds from the direct-funding process will be available to ROCPs. While the funding stream has changed, the legal authority to operate remains intact. Statutes governing ROCPs are found in California Education Code Sections 52301 – 52334.5.

At the discretion of local school boards, many ROCPs will continue to serve their communities, regions and the state by providing career technical education (CTE) to students looking for employment opportunities that require special technical knowledge and skills. Counties, districts and schools which maintain ROCPs will also benefit from teachers who have relevant industry experience and designated subject credentials.

Excellent organizations like the Southern California ROC and the Silicon Valley Career Technical Education will continue to offer a broader, sequential pathway of CTE programs from a variety of career sectors than would be available at an individual high school. A career center program can avoid unnecessary duplication of courses and expensive training equipment and adjust to changes in the industries, new technologies, and new programs.

This change in funding will require ROCP administrators to adjust programs to match available funding and to seek additional funding through partnerships and grants to maintain the current level of service.