Topics: Budget & Financial Management
Don't Miss CCSA's Public Charter Schools Grant Program Application Webinar & Consultations
CCSA’s Knowledge Management Team will be offering a webinar on “How to Successfully Complete the PCSGP Application” Webinar on August 17, from 4-6 p.m. and opportunities for one-hour consultations on August 30-31 and September 4-7 for any member school that has questions related to completing the PCSGP application, and/or who would like to have their application reviewed. Register today.
CCSA Answers: Deadline for Opening a Charter School to Receive ADA
For charter schools in their first year, find out when your school must open to receive Average Daily Attendance (ADA) funding.
CCSA Answers: LCAP Deadline and Submission Process
Learn more about when the LCAP is due, how to submit, and more.
CCSA's Business Managers' Meetings Conclude this Week
The Governor recently released the May Budget Revise, which means it’s time for spring Business Managers’ Meetings. Register for an upcoming webinar to learn about budgetary and financial information that will impact your charter school, including legislative updates with a fiscal impact.
Participate in a Statewide Survey About the Local Control Funding Formula
The California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE) invites charter schools and charter management organizations to participate in a statewide survey about the ways in which they engage with the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF).
CCSA Answers: Submission of the New Federal Addendum Template
Learn if your charter public school needs to submit the Federal Addendum Template and by when.
CCSA Answers: Components of an Authorizer's Charter School Oversight Fee Calculation
Learn about the revenues required to be included in the calculation of the authorizer’s oversight fee.
Finance Academies Conclude This Week
Back by popular demand, CCSA is offering one-day, in-person Finance Academy workshops. Don’t miss the final workshops this week in the Bay Area and Sacramento to strengthen your internal financial management capacity. Learn more and register today!
CCSA's Fall Business Managers' Meetings Continue this Week!
Continuing this week, you can attend CCSA’s Business Managers’ Meetings to learn about the 2017-18 State Budget and how the state’s financial situation will impact your school. Register for an online meeting today!
Last Week for CCSA's Fraud Oversight Workshops
Charter school board members, principals, executive directors, and business managers can participate in this webinar where they will interact with representatives from FCMAT to discuss fraud and oversight issues.
CCSA's Spring Business Managers' Meetings Wrap Up This Week
Wondering about the 2017-18 State May Budget Revise and how the state’s financial situation will impact your school? Register to attend CCSA’s final spring Business Managers’ meetings happening this week!
CCSA's Spring Business Managers' Meetings Begin this Week!
Wondering about the 2017-18 May Revision to the State Budget and how the state’s financial situation will impact your school? Look no further than CCSA’s Business Managers’ meetings! We will cover the current funding rates, updates on proposed changes, information on state and federal categorical programs - plus legislative and regulatory updates. Register today.
New California Charter Schools Financial Management Guide hot off the presses!
The new edition of the California Charter Schools Financial Management Guide is now available and highlights several financial management issues that are crucial for charter school leaders and boards to consider
CCSA Answers: Must Charter Schools Comply with Education Code 42103?
Question: We received a notice from our County Office of Education stating that, to comply with Education Code 42103, we must display our 2017-2018 budget for public comment. Is this required for charter schools?
2016-17 Public Charter Schools Grant Program Peer Reviewers Needed
The California Department of Education (CDE) Charter Schools Division is seeking peer reviewers who are state charter school developers, governing board members, operators, and authorizers. Peer reviewers will score fiscal year 2016‒17 (Round 2) California Public Charter Schools Grant Program (PCSGP) applications for charter schools. Learn how to get involved here.
CCSA Answers: Budget Submission Requirements
Question: Is there a legal requirement that we provide our draft or final budgets to our charter authorizer by a certain date? Or, is this just subject to terms of the memorandum of understanding with the charter authorizer?
NEW Resources: National Charter School Resource Center Releases Two Toolkits on Fiscal Oversights
As part of CCSA’s effort to provide members relevant resources on strong financial practices, we are sharing two toolkits from the National Charter School Resource Center featuring successful practices and recommendations for charter school governing boards and authorizers. Check out the toolkits.
CCSA Answers: Lottery Funds and First Year Schools
Question: Do new charter schools receive lottery funds during their first year of operation?
"California Minimum Wage Law: What Charters Need to Know About Wages, Hours and Related Issues" Workshop Coming Soon!
Wondering how the State’s new Minimum Wage Law will impact your charter school? This workshop, presented by Wendy Tucker, Partner at Procopio, will cover the highlights of California’s new minimum wage law, impacts and best practices for implementation in charter schools.
CCSA Answers: Senate Bill 3 and Charter Schools
Question: Does Senate Bill 3: Minimum wage: apply to charter schools?
CCSA Answers: Must Charter Schools Comply with Education Code 42103?
Question: We received a notice from our County Office of Education stating that, to comply with Education Code 42103, we must display our 2016-2017 budget for public comment. Is this required for charter schools?
Public Charter Schools Grant Program Applications Round Two Information
The 2015-16 Fiscal Year federal Public Charter Schools Grant Program (PCSGP) Request for Applications (RFA) and forms are currently available for Round Two.
CCSA PCSGP Application Consultations: February 17 - 22 (By Appointment Only)
CCSA’s Knowledge Management team will be offering one-hour consultations on several dates in February for any member school that has questions related to completing the next round of the Public Charter Schools Grant Program (PCSGP) application
PCSGP Application "How To" Webinar Coming Soon on February 11!
Sign up now for the upcoming PCSGP webinar on February 11!
CCSA Answers: Receiving Credit for Emergency Days When Determining AD
Question: The continued flooding in San Diego may lead to emergency closures at some charter schools. How can charter schools receive credit for emergency days when determining average daily attendance (ADA)?
Finance Academy Coming Soon!
Back by popular demand, the California Charter Schools Association is offering our one-day Finance Academy. This in-person workshop, offered in the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Sacramento and San Diego, will help charter schools and developers strengthen their internal financial management capacity.
CCSA Answers: Receiving in Lieu of Property Tax Funding
Question: How do we receive in lieu of property tax funding for students residing in other districts, but attending our charter school?
2015-16 Federal Public Charter Schools Grant Program Request for Applications
The California Department of Education (CDE) will be releasing the 2015-16 federal Public Charter Schools Grant Program (PCSGP) Request for Applications (RFA) on or around October 16, 2015.
CCSA Answers: 2015-16 Special Advance Apportionment
Where can I find out how much I will be receiving in my special advance apportionment, as either a new charter school, or as a charter school adding a grade level?
Broadband Infrastructure Improvement Grants Available
The state budget has allocated an additional $50 million in funding to help schools with inadequate bandwidth upgrade their current connection to the internet. The 2015-16 Broadband Infrastructure Improvement Grant (BIIG) application window closes on Wednesday, September 30, 2015.
Save the Date for CCSA's Fall Business Managers' Meetings!
Wondering about the 2015-16 State Budget and how the state’s financial situation will impact your school? Look no further than CCSA’s Business Managers’ meetings!
Save the Date for CCSA's Fall Business Managers' Meetings!
Wondering about the 2015-16 State Budget and how the state’s financial situation will impact your school? Look no further than CCSA’s Business Managers’ Meetings!
Apply Now: SB 740 Charter School Facility Grant Program
There is still time to apply to the SB 740 Facility Grant Program for the 2015-16 school year. For new schools or schools that are changing facilities for the 2015-16 school year, the application is due by October 15, 2015.
CCSA Answers: Selecting a Concentration Grant Threshold
Question: Which concentration grant threshold should a charter school, authorized by one county, but operating in another, use, for the purposes of funding under the LCFF?
Apply Now: SB 740 Charter School Facility Grant Program
There is still time to apply to the SB 740 Facility Grant Program for the 2015-16 school year. For new schools or schools that are changing facilities for the 2015-16 school year, the application is due by October 15, 2015.
CCSA's Spring Business Managers' Meetings in June!
Wondering about the 2015-16 State May Budget Revision and how the state’s financial situation will impact your school? Sign up for CCSA’s Business Managers meetings! We will cover the current funding rates, updates on proposed changes, information on state and federal categorical programs - plus legislative and regulatory updates.
Public Charter Schools Grant Program Planning and Implementation Grant (Round 2) Application Now Available
Apply Today! March 18, 2015 is the application deadline for Round 2 of the Public Charter Schools Grant Program (PCGSP) from the California Department of Education.
Apply Today! Charter School Revolving Loan Fund Application Deadline is Feb. 24
Don’t miss the opportunity to apply for the Charter School Revolving Loan Fund by February 24.
Hands-on Tech Plan Writing and E-Rate Planning
Take advantage of 6-hours of expert guidance relating to technology, the relationship of free and reduced lunch eligibility to discounts, how long it takes to get the funding and more. Discuss your plans with colleagues from your own and other schools so that you will be reading for the next funding cycle!
Learn About CCSA's Legal Services for Incorporation and Tax Exemption!
Learn more about CCSA’s Incorporation Services Program, under which qualifying CCSA members can receive pro bono or reduced rate legal support with the incorporation and tax exemption process from outside attorneys.
Proposed IRS Ruling Regarding Charter School Employee Participation in State Retirement Systems
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Department of Treasury issued guidance regarding specific rules they are considering that relate to whether a State retirement system that covers employees of a charter school will fall within the meaning of a “governmental plan” under IRS laws.
Don't Miss CCSA's Winter Business Managers' Meetings!
Got questions about the Governor’s 2015-16 State Budget Proposal and how the state’s financial situation will impact your school? Look no further than CCSA’s Business Managers’ Meetings!
Finance Academy Coming Soon!
Back by popular demand, the California Charter Schools Association is again offering our one-day Finance Academy, in partnership with FCMAT. This in-person workshop, offered in the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Sacramento and San Diego, will assist charter schools and developers in all phases and areas of financial management.
Finance Academy 2015 Workshop Registration Now Open!
The in-person Finance Academy Workshop will assist charter schools and developers in all phases and areas of financial management.
CCSA Business Managers' Meetings Kick Off in January 2015 - Register Today!
The Knowledge Management Team will dispense up-to-the-minute information about the Governor’s 2015-16 State Budget Proposal and how the state’s financial situation will impact your school. Register today!
Finance Academy Coming Soon!
Back by popular demand, the California Charter Schools Association is again offering our one-day Finance Academy, in partnership with FCMAT. This in-person workshop, offered in the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Sacramento and San Diego, will assist charter schools and developers in all phases and areas of financial management.
Outfit Your School for Student Success
Th Buyers’ Guide is an exclusive resource for CCSA members, providing perspective on school operations, best practices in purchasing and a complete directory of CCSA Vendor Members.
Scholastic School Supply Scam uncovered by The Better Business Bureau
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has recently been receiving complaints against Scholastic School Supply. Consumers reaching out to the BBB allege that Scholastic School Supply is sending false invoices to schools and school districts throughout the country for a bulk purchase of text books that were never requested or received.
Proposition 39: California Clean Energy Jobs Act-2013 Program Webinar
The California Energy Commission will be hosting a webinar for charter schools on the Proposition 39 Program and Energy Expenditure Plan application process on Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Fall 2014 Request for Applications for the Public Charter Schools Grant Program (PCGSP) Available
Apply Today! September 16, 2014 is the deadline to request applications for the Public Charter Schools Grant Program (PCGSP) from the California Department of Education.
LCFF Funding Snapshot now Available!
Charter schools can view the first official calculations of $42 billion in school funding they will receive under the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) via the new “LCFF Funding Snapshot.”
CCSA Answers: Class Size Reduction Requirements for Charter Schools under the LCFF
Now that Class Size Reduction (CSR) funds have been rolled into the Local Control Funding Formula, must charter schools maintain small class sizes or have a plan to make them smaller?
2014-15 Charter Schools Annual Information Survey Due June 13
The survey enables charter schools to submit, review, and edit data on file with the Charter Schools Division in the California Department of Education (CDE).
CCSA Answers: Receiving Credit for Emergency Days When Determining ADA
Question: The recent wild fires in Southern California have resulted in emergency closures at some charter schools. How can charter schools receive credit for emergency days when determining average daily attendance (ADA)?
Don't Miss CCSA's Business Managers' Meetings!
The meetings are offered online and at some of the Regional Meetings happening in late May and early June, including those in Sonoma and San Diego on May 29.
CCSA Answers: Charter-Specific Local Control Accountability Plan
Question: Will the State Board of Education be releasing a charter-specific Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) template?
CCSA Answers: Receiving Credit for Emergency Days When Determining ADA (Drought Update)
Question: The drought was recently added to the list of emergency conditions for which public schools throughout California can receive emergency day credit. How can charter schools receive credit for emergency days when determining average daily attendance (ADA)?
CCSA Answers: Components of an Authorizer's Charter School Oversight Fee Calculation
Question: Under the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), what revenues are included in the calculation of the oversight fee that charter school authorizers are allowed to charge their charter schools?
Reference Your CCSA Buyers' Guide Online, Anytime
The 2013-14 edition offers best practices in purchasing and procurement and ways to cut costs.
Applying for an Exemption from the June 2014 Principal Apportionment Deferral
The California Department of Education (CDE) has posted a letter and other materials related to the cash deferral that will occur in June 2014. Get the details.
CCSA Answers: Definition of Full Time Equivalent (FTE) and SB 740 Funding Determination
Question: We are completing our SB 740 Non-classroom Based Funding Determination Form. How does the state define a “Full Time Equivalent” (FTE)? We need this information for our non-classroom based charter school to meet the 25:1 student to teacher ratio.
Don't Miss Finance Academy: Part One!
This in-person workshop, perfect for new charter schools, school leaders and board members, is offered in the Bay Area, the Central Valley and Los Angeles
Lunch & Learn: Facilities Funding Opportunities - Fresno
Join us for the session, “Building Credit to Finance Your Building,” coordinated by your Regional Director and offered by CCSA Vendor Member, RBC Capital Markets.
Just Around the Corner: Finance Academy Part One
This in-person workshop, offered in the Bay Area, the Central Valley and Los Angeles, will assist charter schools that are engaged in the strategic planning process work toward long-term sustainability.
Feb. 24 - Finance Academy: Part One in Los Angeles
This in-person workshop is geared towards new charter schools, school leaders and board members, including those working with business service providers.
Register Now for CCSA's Pre-Conference Public Charter Schools Grant Program Workshop!
The March 3 workshop is chock full of trainings and resources, to help your new school access funds through the Public Charter Schools Grant Program.
2014 California Charter School Laws and Regulations: An Annual Compilation of Selected Provisions is Now Online
It contains nearly all the relevant legislative and regulatory changes affecting charter schools today.
CCSA Offers Budget and LCFF Resources
Governor Brown released his Budget Proposal for 2014-15 on January 9. Explore new resources available on the CCSA website.
Don't Miss CCSA's Business Managers Meetings!
Do you have questions about the Governor’s January Budget Proposal and how the state’s financial situation will impact your school? Register today for a session!
CCSA Answers: Gate Programs and the Local Control Funding Formula
Question: How are GATE students/programs funded under the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF)? What is meant by the phrase, “Funding will be determined at the local level” within the LCFF language?
Don't Miss CCSA's Business Managers' Meetings!
Do you have questions on the 2013-14 Budget and how the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) will impact your school? Look no further than CCSA’s Business Managers’ meetings.
CCSA Public Charter School Grant Program Resources
Availible to members: Application overview workshop, consultations, sample applications and connection to consultants back office supports.
Apply Today! Public Charter Schools Grant Program Planning and Implementation Grant
The Federal Public Charter Schools Grant Program (PCSGP) is administered by the Charter Schools Division and is now available. Grants are reviewed by peer evaluators and are awarded to nonprofit entities and local education agencies that are likely to develop and open high-quality charter schools.
CCSA Answers: Qualifying for Municipal Bond Financing
Question: Do charter schools qualify for municipal bond financing?
Clean Energy Act (Prop. 39): Resources
Learn more about Proposition 39, the California Clean Energy Jobs Act, a state program that provides funding to local educational agencies for improving energy efficiency and creating clean energy jobs.
Opportunity to Acquire QZAB (Qualified Zone Academy Bonds) Funding
Looking for a way to save on interest costs associated with activities such as energy efficiency and renewable energy, renovating and repairing buildings or investing in equipment and up-to-date technology? Apply today!
Webinar: Learn About the New State Budget and the Impact on Your School
Learn how your school may be impacted by the State Budget! Register for a free webinar on July 12.
New Guidance on Pupil Fees Available
Understand how to implement AB 1575 and when a school may lawfully charge pupil fees for school-related activities.
State Budget Update
On May 14, Governor Jerry Brown released the May Revision to his 2013-14 fiscal year budget proposal, which includes $1.6 billion in additional K-12 deferral relief, and $1 billion in one-time funding for the transition to the common core standards.
CCSA Answers: Calculating a Student Incarcerated at a Juvenile Detention Center into ADA
Question: Can a charter school calculate a student incarcerated at a juvenile detention center into its Average Daily Attendance (ADA)?
May 1: Webinar for School Developers
You’re Authorized! Next Steps: Outfitting Your School. Once approved, charter schools need to prepare for opening. Besides staffing, there are equipment, supply, communication and furniture needs.
Spencer Foundation Invites Proposals for Research on K-8 Classroom Instruction
The Spencer Foundation is accepting applications for research projects that explore how student performance data informs classroom instruction.
Gates Foundation Seeks Proposals to Accelerate Common Core Implementation Across Teacher Networks
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is accepting proposals from organizations, primarily those that consider themselves to be networks of teachers, to support implementation of Common Core State Standards in literacy and mathematics.
Free Webinar - Learn All About the Local Control Funding Formula!
Attend this interactive and free webinar on LCFF (the Local Control Funding Formula) to learn more details and the impact on charter schools on April 22.
CDE Releases Data File for New Local Control Funding Formula
CDE has released a data run that could be the basis for modeling the proposed Local Control Funding Formula; All charter schools should review the reported data for accuracy.
2013 California Charter Schools Financial Management Guide
The new edition of the California Charter Schools Financial Management Guide highlights several financial management issues that are crucial for charter school leaders and boards to consider.
CharterSAFE Offers Two Critical Webinars
CharterSAFE is proud to offer the two important webinars. Learn about Construction Insurance and Insurance for Developing Schools.
CCSA Answers: Paying for College Courses or College Textbooks
Question: Can a charter school pay for college courses or college textbooks, if a student is enrolled in its high school program, and receiving credit for those college classes at its high school? If yes, does the charter school only pay a percentage of the college course and textbook costs, or is it responsible for the entire expense?
Workshop for Public Charter School Grant Program
The California Charter Schools Association is proud to announce the return of a one-day Pre-Conference Public Charter Schools Grant Program workshop.
Webinars for School Developers
There are a number of online charter school development information sessions coming up in the next few months on topics ranging from incorporation to designing a realistic school budget.
Webinars for School Developers: Charter School Facilities 101, Building the Team to Fulfill Your Mission (Part 2 of 3), PCSGP: Governance 101 and PCSGP: Finance 101
There are a number of online charter school development information sessions coming up in the next few months on topics ranging from incorporation to designing a realistic school budget.
Public Charter Schools Grant Program Finance and Governance Trainings
CCSA will be holding four online Public Charter Schools Grant Program Finance and Governance Trainings.
CCSA Answers: PI Schools and Title I
Question: What is a “PI” school? What do PI schools have to do with Title I?
Public Charter Schools Grant Program Dissemination Sub-grant: Request for Applications
The 2012-13 Fiscal Year federal PCSGP Dissemination Request for Application (RFA) and forms are available on the CDE Web site.
Critical February 6 Deadline is Approaching at the California Department of Education (CDE)
Certify your school’s Free and Reduced Price meal (FRPM) data in CALPADS to ensure accurate funding and grant eligibility for programs like the SB 740 Charter School Facility Grant Program.
Free and Reduced Price Lunch Data
For SDUSD authorized charters that are having data issues with Free and Reduced Price Lunch figures reported to CDE, the district will be holding a meeting at O’Farrell Community School on November 2, 2012 from 11:00 a.m. - Noon.
CCSA Answers: Alternate Form for Reporting Financial Data
Question: What is the Charter School Unaudited Actuals Financial Report Alternate Form for reporting financial data and where can it be found?
CCSA Answers: Eligibility for SB 740 Funding
Question: Are charter schools, leasing a district facility at market rate, eligible for SB 740 funding? Specifically, are charter schools leasing from an “unlike” district (i.e. a charter high school leasing district facilities from an elementary school district), eligible?
NEW Resource for PCSGP Applicants
CCSA has produced a new Knowledge Brief to help members interested in the Public Charter Schools Grant Program (PCSGP). The PCSGP application deadline is October 12, 2012. This Knowledge Brief provides information about the Request for Application (RFA), including changes from the past RFA, eligibility requirements, scoring, deadlines, budget, timeline, award and other critical resources for applicants.
SBE Approves Start-Up Grant Application: Webinar on September 19
The California Department of Education (CDE) will post a final Request for Application (RFA) in the coming days and offer a webinar on September 19. CCSA is providing additional information and technical assistance to help applicants.
State Board of Education to Consider PCSGP Application: Due Oct. 12 2012
The California Department of Education (CDE) has announced that the 2012-13 Application for the SB State Board of Education to Consider PCSGP Application. The State Board of Education (SBE) meets next week Thursday, September 13. The SBE is scheduled to…
SB 740 Facility Grant Applications Now Available: Due Sept. 18, 2012
Follow this link for: a cover letter with specific program criteria the application other important materials to apply for the program The completed application must be submitted to the CDE by September 18, 2012. While CDE recognizes that the application…
Mandate Block Grant Update: Letters of Intent Due October 1, 2012
The California Department of Education (CDE) is now accepting Letters of Intent to Participate in the Mandate Block Grant (MBG) program for fiscal year 2012-13.
CCSA Answers: District of Residence for Homeless Students
Question: We have at least one student whose family sleeps in various other families’ homes, all in different districts. How do we decide what is the school of origin for this homeless student?
CCSA Answers: Deadline for Opening a Charter School to Receive ADA
Question: Where in the Education Code does it state that charter schools must open by September 30 in order to receive state funding for ADA?
Aug 28: Fundraising 101
Join us for a background in the funding opportunities available to schools, effective strategies for garnering support from diverse sources, and tools to build an initial fundraising plan.
Update on Mandates Block Grant
Learn how to take advantage of the new Mandate Block Grant to access funds for mandates.
CCSA submits letter to Superintendent Torlakson regarding PCSGP concerns
We have heard from many members regarding problems with the administration of the Public Charter School Grant Program (PCSGP) and have been consistently working with Superintendent Torlakson on these important issues.
Charter School Facility Funding Programs Direct from the Experts
Identifying and securing adequate facilities for charter students is a challenging task for many of our state’s charter schools. A new video recorded at the 19th Annual California Charter Schools Conference offers an additional resource to schools as they confront this challenge.
Now is the Time to Advocate for Funding Equity in the State Budget
Your voices will continue to make the difference in our funding equity efforts.
2012-13 May Revision Budget Brief
CCSA closely tracks the state budget for its impact on charter schools, and provides periodic Budget Brief documents at important budget junctures. On May, 14 Governor Brown released the May Revision to his 2012-13 budget proposal. The proposal maintains current funding levels for schools and begins to pay back some deferrals.
CCSA Answers: Title I Funding for Direct-Funded Charter Schools
Question: How are direct-funded charter schools funded for Title I?
LA Regional Meeting Features Special Sessions on Budgeting and Fundraising
In response to member interest, our May 30 regional meeting is offering some in-depth sessions on these key topics - see more details including the presenters and don’t forget to register today!
CCSA Answers: Title I Funding
Question: How is Title I Funded?
March 29: Finance Academy Webinar
Can’t make our once-yearly Finance Academy in person? The Sacramento session on March 29 will also be streamed live as a webinar. Register today to get the log-in info!
April 5: Intensive Finance Academy in San Diego
Got questions about charter school finances? Don’t miss CCSA’s 4-hour in-depth Finance Academy which is offered just once a year!
March 27: Intensive Finance Academy in Hayward
Got questions about charter school finances? Don’t miss CCSA’s 4-hour in-depth Finance Academy which is offered just once a year! This workshop will assist charter schools and developers in all phases of financial management and is designed for schools that are working toward long-term sustainability.
March 21: Intensive Finance Academy in Los Angeles
Got questions about charter school finances? Don’t miss CCSA’s 4-hour in-depth Finance Academy which is offered just once a year! This workshop will assist charter schools and developers in all phases of financial management and is designed for schools that are working toward long-term sustainability.
Don't Miss CCSA's Intensive, Once-Yearly Finance Academy!
Got questions about charter school finances? Don’t miss CCSA’s 4-hour in-depth Finance Academy which is offered just once a year! This workshop will assist charter schools and developers in all phases of financial management and is designed for schools that are working toward long-term sustainability
CCSA Endorses Governor Brown's "Schools and Local Public Safety Protection Act"
CCSA officially supports Governor Brown’s proposed tax initiative to bring much needed relief to California’s public schools, including charters.
2011-12 Charter School Revolving Loan Fund Application Now Available
Applications for the Revolving Loan Fund are due Friday, March 30.
Governor's Budget and State of the State Address
Governor Brown held the annual State of the State Address earlier this week and announced his proposed budget earlier this month. There is lots for charter schools to like about the Governor’s proposed budget.
CCSA 2012-13 Governor's Budget Brief Now Available
As part of our member services, CCSA analyzes the budget as it is introduced, when it undergoes major revisions, and finally, when it is enacted. CCSA’s 2012-13 Budget Brief providing an analysis of the Governor’s proposal and its possible impact on charter schools, including estimates of the charter school block grants, is now available. We encourage you to download it as you continue your school budget planning.
Capitol Update - Important Budget News
In an unprecedented and surprise action today, Governor Jerry Brown released his state budget proposal for the 2012-13 fiscal year, five days before the previously scheduled release.
Public Charter Schools Grant Program Workshops: Register Today!
These workshops are fast approaching! Register today to include these workshops in your grant application work plan.
The Importance of Free and Reduced Lunch Data
Accurately tracking and updating your school’s Free and Reduced Lunch (FRL) data can have a major impact on your school’s finances.
Multiple Tax Initiatives Vying for November 2012 Ballot; Governor's Proposal Polls Well
In light of California’s continued fiscal problems, multiple initiatives designed to raise additional revenues for schools and other state programs have been filed for the November 2012 ballot.
Dec. 15 Webinar: Build a Budget - How to use the CCSA Budget Template
Learn how to navigate and manipulate the multipage template. The session provides expert instruction and a forum for questions and answers.
New Video on "Budget Trigger"
Colin Miller, vice president, Policy, discusses the possibility of “budget trigger” cuts, which will be automatically implemented if state revenues fall below projections made in the 2011-12 Budget Plan.
San Diego Unified School Board and School Budgets
The SDUSD Board made an unusual request of its charter schools…and three brave charters stepped forward.
Budget Trigger FAQs
Get answers to your questions about the “budget trigger,” which would implement automatic cuts to education if state revenues fall below specified projected levels.
Start Planning Now for Spring Deferrals
Over 80% of February through June 2012 state apportionment payments are projected to be delayed until August or later. Are you prepared?
CCSA Answers: Application of Proposed Budget Trigger
Question: Does the proposed budget trigger apply to the 2011-12 fiscal year only, or will its cuts and flexibilities carry over into other years?
CCSA Answers: Lottery Funds and First Year Schools
Question: Do new charter schools receive lottery funds during their first year of operation?
CCSA Answers: Attendance Requirements for Receiving Apportionment Credit
Question: Is it legal for a school to count as present students who show up in the parking lot for a minute or two and then go home?
CCSA Answers: Receiving Credit for Emergency Days When Determining ADA
Question: Recent circumstances resulted in a day of enforced emergency closure. Can charter schools receive credit for emergency days when determining average daily attendance (ADA)?
Financial Management Resources Help Members Prepare for Shifting Cash Flow Situations
CCSA offers a number of resources to help member schools implement the principals of sound financial management as concerns are raised about the optimistic projections for state revenues assumed in the approved budget.
CDE receives smaller than anticipated PCSGP grant
USDOE decreases the grant amount to CDE for the 2011-2012 year
New Startup School Receives COE Bridge Funding
Redwood Prep Charter School in Fortuna will open it’s doors - in part with some help from a bridge loan. Learn how this is relevant to your school too.
Working Capital Lines of Credit
One of CCSA’s partners in the financial sector, the Nonprofit Finance Fund (NFF), has stepped up to help address the painful state payment delays impacting our members.
Capitol Update 6/30/11 - Special Message from Jed Wallace
Included in this special Capitol Update message from Jed Wallace:
* Legislative efforts to address charter school management and governance
* CCSA reaches agreement on charter school governance, finance and operations
* Bills provide clarity, address accountability, and increase access to quality facilities
* Get more information, share your feedback
* State budget passed; watch for new Budget Brief
San Francisco Charter Schools Receive Needed District, City Funds
City and district propositions are adding an additional $425 per student to the operating funds of the 13 operating charter schools in San Francisco, welcome news in these terrible economic times.
Capitol Update 6/23/11
Included in the Capitol Update this week:
* State Budget: Countdown to July 1
* Legislative Update
* ESEA (also known as No Child Left Behind) Reauthorization Moves Forward
* State Allocation Board
CCSA Answers: Funding to Provide Meals to Low-Income Preschool Students
Question: Is there funding available to help provide meals to low-income preschool students at a charter school?
Get the Latest State Budget Information
New information about Governor Brown’s veto of the budget.
CCSA Answers: Apportionment and Reduced Instructional Days
Question: Can charter schools reduce the number of instructional days they offer from 175 to 170 and still receive full apportionment?