CONCORD -- Clayton Valley High's conversion to a charter school in the fall is prompting discussions at the state level about funding inequities that could result under current laws.

Mt. Diablo Unified School District Superintendent Steven Lawrence testified Wednesday before the state Assembly Education Committee in support of AB 1172, which aims to address the negative financial consequences a high school charter conversion can have on its unified school district, which includes elementary, middle and high schools. Although the district receives about $5,207 per student from the state, it must pay the charter $6,148 per student because high schools get a higher rate of funding than the overall rate given to unified districts.

Later that night, Lawrence and parents and staff from other district schools urged the Contra Costa County Board of Education to deny the charter petition, saying it would cost the district at least $1.7 million per year.

"Currently," Lawrence said, "there will be negative financial issue for the remainder of our children in our school district."