Unraveling the Mystery of School Finance

Unraveling the Mystery of School Finance—For Superintendents and Top Administrators

California’s district superintendents and program administrators are charged with the dual responsibility of developing multiyear strategic plans and managing the fiscal resources of their local educational agencies (LEAs). Leadership teams that achieve the greatest success are those who can identify fiscal opportunities as they arise, anticipate challenges, and plan strategically to meet both immediate and long-term needs. The recent leveling off of federal and state funding provided unprecedented opportunities, followed by challenges—and significant responsibilities—for district leadership to influence, improve, and continue educational programs.

For today’s superintendents and top-level administrators, effective collaboration with educational partners requires more than simply understanding the budget. It demands the ability to clearly communicate fiscal priorities and realities in context to labor groups, governing boards, and the broader school community. California’s funding model is complex, influenced not only by state economic conditions but also by local enrollment trends, attendance patterns, and shifting student demographics. With the state’s once-robust economy showing signs of slowing, student enrollment declining, and student needs increasing, the decisions made by district leaders are more consequential than ever.

This webinar will distill the complexities of school finance into practical, actionable knowledge tailored specifically for superintendents and senior administrators. Drawing on decades of combined expertise in school finance and governance, presenters from the Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team and School Services of California Inc. will equip non-financial leaders with the tools needed to make sound fiscal, policy, and programmatic decisions.

Webinar Content

This session is purpose-built for district superintendents and top-level administrators, with a focus on connecting financial understanding to strategic leadership. Topics will include:

• Designing a strategic planning and budget cycle that aligns Local Control and Accountability Plan goals with budget priorities

• Determining a healthy reserve and effectively communicating reserve strategies to interest holders

• Using multiyear financial projections to evaluate your LEA’s fiscal health

• Planning and analyzing staffing needs, including the budget impact of personnel decisions

• Understanding the latest in collective bargaining and strategies to manage fiscal impacts

• Monitoring and controlling budgets to avoid financial surprises

• Assessing the impact of cash deferrals on operations

• Strategically deploying one-time funds

• Identifying and applying best practices in school fiscal management to protect your LEA from risk

Superintendents and program administrators will leave with a deeper understanding of the fiscal landscape, enhanced confidence in financial decision-making, and practical strategies to lead their districts through today’s economic challenges—while keeping student success at the forefront.

Cancellation Policy