Fewer LEAs in fiscal jeopardy, interim reports show
Archived CSBA webcasts can help with qualified and negative certifications
Published: April 1, 2013
The fiscal outlook is improving for California school districts, county offices of education and joint powers agencies, state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson reported last month.
The First Interim Status Report for 2012-13 shows 124 of the state’s 1,043 local educational agencies filed qualified or negative certifications of their fiscal heath by the Dec. 15 deadline last year; that’s down significantly from the 188 in qualified or negative status last May—the worst ever. “I can say with growing confidence that the worst of California’s school funding crisis is behind us,” Torlakson said when he announced the numbers. However, he added, “As this report demonstrates, it will take years to restore our education system to financial health.”
The First Interim Status Reports reflect LEAs’ ability to meet their financial obligations for the remainder of the current year and the next two fiscal years, based on the period ending Oct. 31, 2012. LEAs’ second interim reports, reflecting the period ending Jan. 31, are due March 17.
“The passage of Proposition 30 has helped many districts project healthier budgets, but we still are not out of the woods. Our per-student funding levels are still some of the lowest in the nation,” noted Teri Burns, CSBA senior director for Policy and Programs.
While many districts that were in jeopardy last year have managed to improve their standing, Burns added that 25 districts that had positive certifications then are now in negative or qualified status—accounting for one in every five of the districts in fiscal distress.
CSBA’s Archived Webcasts and Webinars Web page has two related webcasts:
- “Qualified and Negative Certifications: Understanding These Certifications and How to Avoid Them in Your District”
- “Qualified and Negative Certifications: Understanding the Common Message and the Role and Services of FCMAT.”