When the School Board meets this evening at 7 in the District Board Room on Irving Place, the Second Interim Budget Report and a discussion about Common Core State Standards will headline the agenda.
The School District has several major goals firmly in mind as the current year financial picture continues to emerge and work begins on the development of the coming year's budget projections:
- To maintain a 5 percent reserve
- To eliminate the operating deficit in order to balance the budget
- To elevate the District salary schedules to attract and retain quality teachers, support staff and administrators.
To achieve these objectives, the District administrative team is conducting an in-depth review of each expenditure and revenue account i to accurately project the current year's expected financial operating results.
The coming year's budget will be constructed in a step by step manner, rather than by simply rolling over the current year budget.
Although Gov. Brown’s budget proposal would eliminate Revenue Limit funding and replace it with the new Local Control Funding Formula, the Los Angeles County Office of Education recommends continuing to project a revenue limit funding formula as follows:
- No cost-of-living adjustment for 2012-13,
- None for 2013-14 and
- A 2.3 percent adjustment for 2014-15.
Sean Kearney, the District’s Director of Fiscal Services, said the District will budget based on categorical flexibility until it receives more direction from the state regarding the new funding formula.
Mr. Kearney said the District reduced its federal program revenue in 2013-14 and 2014-15 by 5.9 percent, as directed by the County because of the present sequestration crisis.
To review Mr. Kearney's full report as well as the assumptions guiding that report, click here.
In addition to the budget discussion, Asst. Supt. Eileen Carroll will present regarding the new Common Core State Standards, rigorous, research-based findings s for English-language arts and mathematics for grades K-12.
They are designed to prepare the nation's students for success in college and the workforce. The standards are internationally benchmarked to ensure that students will be globally competitive.
Ms. Carroll will discuss the work being done to prepare School District staff and students and will highlight next steps and plans for next school year.
Find the agenda here.
Mr. Maleman may be contacted at gmaleman@aol.com
