September 10, 1999
Resource: Sheila Jordan, (510) 670-4140Alameda County Office of Education to Help San Leandro School District Resolve Reserves Deficit
HAYWARD—In a joint statement today, Alameda County Superintendent of Schools Sheila Jordan and San Leandro School District Superintendent Tom Himmelberg announced that the county office and the district will establish a plan to eliminate the San Leandro district’s deficit spending, increase its reserves, and control future spending.
According to Superintendent Jordan, county office budget staff found that San Leandro School District did not have sufficient resources available to meet the required three percent reserve. Jordan pointed out that the district has sufficient funds for operation. There is no immediate impact on classroom activities, and the intent is for cuts to be made as far from the classroom as possible. The extent of the shortfall in reserves has not been determined.
Jordan said, "In keeping with our goal of accountability, we have been working with the district to help reduce deficits. We have reached a point where Superintendent Himmelberg and I both agree that the county office must play a more directive role. We are instituting measures to reduce the reserves deficit, and put the district on solid budget footing for the long term."
Jordan will appoint a fiscal advisor, and will not approve San Leandro’s 1999/2000 proposed budget in its current form. The fiscal advisor will work with the district to achieve a three percent reserve within the year; develop a long-range plan to ensure fiscal stability; review the district’s current accounting procedures; and consider possible conversion to the county office accounting system.
Himmelberg said, "We recognize the need to improve our fiscal management system in order to maintain fiscal stability while continuing to align the budgeting process with our educational mission and priorities. I am eager to begin this closer partnership with the county office and resolve these problems. I appreciate the county’s help, and I know we are going to get back on track."
Linda Perry, president of the San Leandro School District Board, said the board and district staff have been working to balance the budget. "We have many needs and state-mandated programs driving our expenditures up and increasing the complexity of the budgetary process. We want to review our accounting procedures and develop a process to meet our need for more timely budget information throughout the district.
I feel very positive about working with Alameda County Associate Superintendent for Business Services Pete Yasitis and his staff."
Alameda
County Office of Education
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