California Code, Education Code - EDC § 16007

The board by the adoption of rules shall give priority in allocating funds to districts to those districts where the children will benefit most from additional schoolhouse facilities.  This priority shall be based on acuteness of overcrowding, on rapidity of growth in attendance, and on the time the district's application has been ready for allotment.  The board may make exceptions when it determines that it will be for the benefit of the children affected.

The State Department of Education shall assist and cooperate with the board in determining priorities.