It’s that time of year again. The Governor has released his annual May Revision Proposal and we are announcing our annual School Finance and Management Conference. Despite the continued conflict between projected revenues and expenditure reductions, there is at least some hope for an on-time or close State Budget. In anticipation of an on-time(or almost on-time)Budget, we have set the dates for our 32nd Annual Conference for the third week in July. As always, however, there is also the possibility of major changes until the Budget is signed—and beyond!

As with our prior conferences, this year’s program will focus on the newly adopted State Budget and attendant management issues to give the latest information for developing and implementing school district and county office budgets in 2010-11 and subsequent years. Additionally, we will focus on pending legislation that may be adopted later in the legislative session.

Session Description:

California expects to receive $1.2 billion in funding to thelp local educational agencies "save" education jobs. There are many questions swirling around this new federal stimulus opportunity. When comparing what is known versus what is yet to be determined, the federal education jobs funding resembles an iceberg, with the tip being a clear commitment to saving jobs, but much of the details existing below the water line and out of view, at least for now.

Many districts are struggling with collective bargaining issues this year, but they also face very tight travel and professional development budgets. Some months ago, in anticipation of this situation, School Services of California, Inc., (SSC) made a commitment to change the mode of delivery on some of its foundational workshops. The “Fiscal Aspects of Negotiations” workshop, which we have presented in a face-to-face format for more than 20 years, has been completed and is now available as a 100% online offering.