(a) For the purpose of computing the equalization adjustment for special education local plan areas for the 1998–99 fiscal year, the superintendent shall make the following computations to determine the amount that each special education local plan area that has an amount per unit of average daily attendance that is below the statewide target amount per unit of average daily attendance may request as an equalization adjustment:
(1) Subtract the amount per unit of average daily attendance computed for the special education local plan area pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 56836.10 from the statewide target amount per unit of average daily attendance determined pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 56836.11.
(2) If the remainder computed in paragraph (1) is greater than zero, multiply that remainder by the number of units of average daily attendance reported for the special education local plan area for the 1997–98 fiscal year, exclusive of average daily attendance for absences excused pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 46010, as that section read on July 1, 1996.
(b) Commencing with the 1999–2000 fiscal year, through and including the fiscal year in which equalization among the special education local plan areas has been achieved, the superintendent shall make the following computations to determine the amount that each special education local plan area that has an amount per unit of average daily attendance that is below the statewide target amount per unit of average daily attendance may request as an equalization adjustment:
(1) Add to the amount per unit of average daily attendance computed for the special education local plan area pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 56836.10 for the fiscal year in which the computation is made the inflation adjustment computed pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 56836.08 for the fiscal year in which the computation is made.
(2) Subtract the amount computed pursuant to paragraph (1) from the statewide target amount per unit of average daily attendance computed pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 56836.11 for the fiscal year in which the computation is made.
(3) If the remainder computed in paragraph (2) is greater than zero, multiply that remainder by the number of units of average daily attendance reported for the special education local plan area for the prior fiscal year, exclusive of average daily attendance for absences excused pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 46010, as that section read on July 1, 1996.
(c) This section shall not apply to the special education local plan area identified as the Los Angeles County Juvenile Court and Community School/Division of Alternative Education Special Education Local Plan Area.