Cal. Educ. Code § 39807

In lieu of furnishing transportation to pupils attending the schools of a school district, the governing board may pay to the parents or guardian of each pupil the cost of food and lodging of the pupil at a place convenient to the schools. The amount paid on account of each pupil may not exceed the estimated cost to the district of providing for the transportation of the pupil to and from his or her home and the school he or she attends.