The passage of Proposition 51 provided much-needed funding for new construction and modernization projects, but, only three years later, the funds have all been exhausted. The 2019–20 Legislative cycle, however, provided some light at the end of the tunnel with the authorization of a new $15 billion facilities bond for the March 2020 ballot, as well as additional funding for kindergarten facilities.

During the Great Recession and recovery through 2017–18, statewide K–12 enrollment was essentially unchanged. Student enrollment trends have varied widely based on geographic location, with some local educational agencies (LEAs) growing in enrollment and others declining. The outlook for the future is uncertain, as the state Department of Finance forecasts declining enrollment statewide over the next ten years.

Collective bargaining in the cost-of-living adjustment-only Local Control Funding Formula and post-Janus decision environment is complex—revenues have slowed, but cost pressures continue to escalate. Coupled with an increase in highly contentious labor negotiations, collective bargaining is on a new course where the tried and true negotiations playbook often falls short.

This half-day workshop is intended for California’s education leaders responsible for policy and budget decisions, including board members, superintendents, superintendent’s cabinet members, chief financial officers, fiscal directors/budget officers, public affairs/legislative officers, negotiators and human resources staff, charter school officials, and others in educational leadership positions.

Local educational agencies must be aware of their obligations under current law and develop appropriate policies and procedures. Both charter schools and traditional school agencies need to be familiar with the processes, requirements, and timelines for charter school petition submittal and approval; as well as, ongoing operations and oversight.

As many districts struggle with time and budget constraints, School Services of California, Inc., (SSC) has made a commitment to provide some of its foundational workshops through various modes of delivery. SSC hopes to make these workshops more accessible and meet the varying needs of school districts across California. As such, the Fiscal Aspects of Negotiations workshop is now available in both a face-to-face format and as an online offering.

School Services of California, Inc. and the Fiscal Crisis and Management Team (FCMAT) have teamed up to provide a free online workshop on fiscal solvency.

The number one area for findings in an audit report are those in the area of Associated Student Body. 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.

This workshop will be interactive and participants will work in small groups to review and analyze sample student data and draft LCAP goals, actions, and services as well as identify appropriate funding sources. LEAs are encouraged to bring teams of general education and special education professionals, district leaders involved in LCAP development, school site administrators, special education administrators, and superintendents.