Calif. Law Eases Way for Emergency Work At Low-Ranked Schools

A new law in California will make it easier for low-performing schools to pay for repairs to their facilities.

What was known as the state’s Emergency Repair Program has been converted from an $800 million reimbursement program into a grant program. Schools no longer will have to pay for repairs in advance and then wait to be repaid, a process that can take three months or longer.

The new program, which went into effect Jan. 1, is part of a package of “cleanup” legislation that applies to what is known as the Williams settlement, resolving a lawsuit over school facility conditions and teaching materials. Regulations allowing schools to apply for the money are expected to be available...