The Governor and both houses of the legislature each propose substantially different approaches to funding K-12 schools in the upcoming fiscal year. The differing legislative proposals should come to a head later this week as the legislature’s Budget Conference Committee meets to iron-out differences between the two houses’ proposals. Each takes different approaches on various key items, including both general-purpose and categorical funding programs. Separately, the legislature is said to be moving on ... For more, click the "Finance" link under the "Resources" tab.

Democrats in the lower house of California's legislature countered the governor's May Revise budget with an eclectic mix of proposed borrowing, corporate tax loophole closures, and oil tax increases.  Meanwhile, Democrats in the Senate have proposed $4.9 billion worth of tax increases or extensions that would partially close the estimated $19 billion state budget shortfall.  Though many of the Democrats' proposals are designed to avoid the usual two-thirds vote requirement to increase taxes, CSDC believes ... For more, click the "Finance" link under the "Resources" tab.

The California School Finance Authority extended the application deadline for the second, 2009 round of federally-subsidized Qualified School Construction Bond (QSCB) funds from May 27 to June 7 ... For more, click the "Finance" link under the "Resources" tab.

Governor Schwarzenegger’s annual May Revision to his 2010-11 budget proposed cutting most state funding for child care, but few other changes for K-12 school funding. While there is no positive news in the governor’s proposals, the lack of additional proposed cuts provides a bit of relief in an otherwise hellish fiscal environment and stands in sharp contrast to... For more, click the "Finance" link under the "Resources" tab.

The early application deadline for CSDC's 2010 Leadership Institute is fast approaching. To receive priority consideration, your online application must be submitted prior to midnight on Saturday, May 15. To start an online application, please click here.

CSDC will continue accepting online applications until midnight on Monday, May 31.

In addition to the online application, each applicant must also submit a statement of intent and payment (check or purchase order) to CSDC by May 31. CSDC will not consider late and/or incomplete applications.

As anticipated, the State Board of Education voted unanimously today to deny requests by dozens of charter schools seeking to waive deferrals of state aid. Recent legislation implemented a complex set of permanent and temporary deferrals of state aid in an effort to shore-up the state's weak cash position and make the state's budget appear more balanced. For more, click the "Finance" link under the "Resources" tab.

The State Treasurer, Director of Finance, and Controller jointly announced on March 31 that they will implement three additional cash flow deferrals for K-12 schools in the 2010-11 fiscal year. The three new deferrals come on top of a confusing array of recently-enacted permanent delays to the baseline schedule for state apportionments, several additional "one-time" deferrals, and three additional "permanent" deferrals. For more, click the "Finance" link under the "Resources" tab.

The State Charter School Facilities Incentive Grants Program is a federally-funded, state-administered facility funding program. Funds can be applied toward a charter school's cost of rent, lease, mortgage, ... For more, click the "Grants & Fundraising" link under the "Resources" tab.

Charter schools that are seeking facilities from school districts through the "Prop 39" facilities process need to respond to school districts' preliminary facilities proposals by March 1st. For more, click the "Facilities" link under the "Resource" tab.

Apply now to attend CSDC's 12th Annual Charter School Leadership Institute ("Boot Camp") at the beautiful Granlibakken Resort and Lodge in Tahoe City.  The early application deadline for priority consideration is May 15 with the regular application period ending at midnight on May 31.  

The "Boot Camp" offers an intensive week of charter school leadership training presented by CSDC's expert staff, invited attorneys, and renowned guest speakers.  Participants will not only leave with a solid understanding of the complex legal and fiscal framework that charter schools must operate under in California but also with the critical leadership skills for improving the performance of a school's students, personnel, and governing board.  

In addition to the quality of the content, past participants usually point to the passionate discussions, intensive team-based activities, and the relationships built with other dedicated school leaders as highlights of the program.  So come to this year's Boot Camp and walk away empowered with the information and inspiration to lead your school to new heights.

"Overall this is one of the best experiences I've ever had. I learned an extraordinary amount of pertinent info and couldn't wait to get back to work to apply it. I also made some great contacts and friends."
- 2008 Leadership Institute participant