A survey by the Oakland-based education resource and research group EdSource last spring queried school districts with an enrollment of more than 1,000 students. The 315 responding school districts have enrollment totalling 4.1 million students, or two-thirds of California public-school students.

Among the questions, the survey asked how schools would spend additional funds, if available, to solve discipline problems. Sixty-eight percent said their top priority would be school counselors and support staff.

In addition, the study asked administrators to list their high priorities:

52%: staff training

48%: "wrap-around" community services for needs like mental health and family support

43%: conflict resolution programs

42%: rehabilitation services for suspended and expelled students

37%: more school administrators

28%: in-school suspension classes

26%: security staff