In recent years, the May Revision has increased in importance as one of the key decision points in financial planning for both the State Budget and individual school agencies. Planning for 2012-13 and beyond will be even more difficult than in the past because of the Governor’s extensive proposals for complete overhaul of the education  funding system and reliance on the November election for additional state revenues. Our May Revision Workshop is designed to provide the information needed to close the books for 2011-12, finalize the district budget for 2012-13, and plan for what still appears to be another stretch of rough road ahead. The funding outlook for education will change from the Governor’s January Proposal as the final cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is determined and deficit figures are recalculated. The May Revision is also an opportunity for the Governor to recast his Budget proposals and present new proposals in view of a revised  revenue outlook, the Legislature’s current-year actions, and progress in balancing the State Budget.

Tracking facility projects funded through a local bond, state school funding, deferred maintenance, capital facilities, or, as a last resort, general funds, is often met with challenges. This has been particularly true over the past several years with the cash flow issues at the state level. The key to a successful project in part starts with proper budgeting and accounting practices for school construction. It is critical to have both the knowledge of the different program funding sources and accurate information from the financial system in order to plan projects and make management decisions regarding expenditures.

The number one area for findings in an audit report are those in the area of Associated Student Body (ASB). It is critical that district- and site-level staff receive training in this area on a regular basis to ensure that the district as well as the employees, are being protected.

There have been changes to regulations over the last  several years related to food sales. Site-level staff need to become familiar with these regulations as they work with students and fundraising events. This format will allow the school agencies to build capacity within its organiza-tion by expanding the number of employees that receive training who are involved in the handling of ASB funds.

In an effort to continue to meet the changing demands on our clients, we are now offering the Fiscal Implications of School District Reorganization as an online workshop. This format provides many benefits, including ease of viewing at your desk, viewing the presentation at a time that is convenient to you, and eliminating the need to travel to a location outside of the area.

The state of California provides funding to school agencies based on actual  attendance, which indicates that school agencies do not receive funding for  students who are not in school. The funding received for students attending school is a significant portion of school agencies’ operating revenue. California school agencies have been hit hard by the economic downturn and any adjustments to funding, no matter how small, can be significant. The importance of understanding the regulations for attendance is at an all-time high. There is too much at stake—academic achievement and funding.

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.