The May Revision is a statutorily required action by the Administration every year, but this will be the first year for Governor Gavin Newsom to recast his January State Budget proposals and present new proposals in view of a revised revenue outlook and stakeholder feedback. The May Revision Workshop will incorporate the results of revised revenue estimates, finalize the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) provisions for 2019-20, provide the latest on Special Education funding, incorporate any revisions of the accountability system, and revise the out-year estimates for LCFF funding for your multiyear projections.

The passage of Proposition 51 opened new opportunities for school agencies to access much-needed funding for new construction and modernization projects. With these monies, however, came new requirements in the form of grant agreements and audits. In addition, legislation that passed in 2018 opened new funding opportunities for kindergarten classroom construction. It is critical that school agencies understand the nuts and bolts of school construction and funding before they embark on these construction projects. This workshop provides an overview of the timelines and approvals necessary for the construction and/or modernization of a school facility as well as step-by-step details on the basics of school construction accounting.

Local educational agency negotiations are increasingly complex. Full implementation of the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) results in a number of statutory and practical considerations. Slowing revenues, which are compounded by escalating cost pressures, are creating very strenuous conditions at the bargaining table. The year 2019-20 ushers in a new trifecta in state leadership with a new Governor, Superintendent of Public Instruction, and State Board of Education president.

For many of us, federal compliance is an area that is learned through experience with very little training beforehand. Federal compliance requirements are rigorous, tedious, and often very confusing. Lack of compliance can result in significant financial penalties, additional audits, and even loss in eligibility for future funding. Recent changes in law resulting from the Every Student Succeeds Act have amended various long-standing compliance requirements, while adding new levels of reporting.

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.

This three-part online series will help attendees meet their oversight responsibilities, evaluate petitions for new and renewal of charter schools, and provide information on the ways in which charter schools can access facilities. Employees charged with the review of charter petitions, oversight of charter schools, or those working with charter schools wishing to access district facilities under Proposition 39 (2000) should register and take part in this three-part series.

• Charter School Petitions 101
• Tips, Tricks and Tools for Charter School Oversight
• Charter Schools and Facilities

We are now in the sixth and final year of the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) implementation and local educational agencies (LEAs) are in the fifth year of the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP). High expectations and accountability are paramount under the LCFF, so how do you determine the impact on the operations of the LEA related to the annual audit? A finding of noncompliance can result in an LEA losing a significant amount of revenue. Knowledge and preparation could be the key to resolving issues early. This workshop incorporates need-to-know, up-to-date information on all of these changes and sound advice on internal controls and fraud prevention.

As the number of students with disabilities continues to grow and overall enrollment declines statewide, Special Education costs continue to rise on the natural. State and federal Special Education revenues have long been inadequate and the enrollment squeeze only contributes to a growing General Fund contribution. In light of funding inadequacy, growing compliance demands, and increased expectations for improved student outcomes, there is no room for ineffective resource or program management. Understanding what is driving Special Education costs locally is essential in operating programs for students with disabilities that are legally defensible and that won’t break the bank. With these important issues in mind, the focus of the workshop will be on providing participants with tools and tips to help them support high-quality, cost-effective programs for students with disabilities.  

NOTE: As of May 2017 the content of this workshop has been verified as current (we periodically review our online workshops to ensure relevancy and applicability to current requirements and practices).

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.

This online format will allow school agencies to build capacity within their organizations by expanding the number of employees that receive training who are involved in the handling of ASB funds.

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.

Hear from Mike Fine, John Gray, and Matt Phillips as they discuss the various aspects of district financial management including:

• Multiyear planning
• Negotiations
• Cash management
• Other budgetary challenges facing school districts today