Legislation & Advocacy
02.23.10: SB 1136 - State Cash Deferral Relief for Small Districts
Senator Cox has introduced Senate Bill 1136 to provide state cash deferral relief for small (500 or fewer ADA) school districts. While the state is considering restructuring the revenue limit deferrals to potentially increase the . . . read more
01.28.10: Finally Some Good News About Support For K-12 Education
PPIC poll: Tax us to protect K-12 schools (click to read entire article) Two-thirds of adults surveyed in a Public Policy Institute of California poll say they support higher taxes to maintain funding for K-12 schools. And a full . . . read more
01.28.10: SAB Update
For the past week the Small School Districts’ Association (SSDA) has been lobbying to maintain state school facility grants at their current level. SSDA lobbied the State Allocation Board (SAB) members and staff, but . . . read more
01.06.10: Race to the Top, State of the State and Assembly Updates
The Small School Districts’ Association (SSDA) Executive Committee has discussed the question of whether small schools districts should or should not sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Race To The Top (RTTT). The Executive . . . read more
12.22.09: Underground Storage Tank Cleanup Fund
Does your district need to remove an underground storage tank? Are you aware of the School District Account in the Underground Storage Tank Cleanup Fund? (See Section 25299.50.2 of the Health and Safety Code ). . . . read more
10.16.09: Status of Significant Legislation
Please click on the links below to view listings of significant legislation in pdf format: Signed Legislation Vetoed Legislation Two-Year Legislation read more
09.18.09: Status of Significant Legislation
Please click here to view the status of significant legislation followed by the Small School Districts' Association. (pdf) read more
08.17.09: Recovery Funded Ultra-Low Interest Loans Available to Spur Economic Growth and Energy Efficiency Projects in California
Governor Schwarzenegger released the following press release on August 13: http://gov.ca.gov/press-release/12999/ Public Energy Efficient and Renewable Energy Projects Eligible The California Recovery Task . . . read more
08.14.09: Education Finance Districts
SSDA is working with Assembly Member Tom Torlakson to develop more opportunities for small school districts to join together for cooperative programs. As part of this effort, Assembly Member Torlakson is authoring Assembly Bill 267. . . . read more
03.27.09: SAB Action on Deferred Maintenance
On Wednesday, March 25, the State Allocation Board (SAB) acted on Deferred Maintenance and Deferred Maintenance Extreme Hardship project allocations. The SAB did not adopt the SSDA recommendation (see attached) which SSDA believed . . . read more
03.10.09: Flexibility Survey
SSDA is trying to determine how member districts are using the new flexibility authorized by the budget agreement and as explained in the Superintendent of Public Instruction's letter : While this is a very large subject I am . . . read more
03.09.09: SSDA Special Election Recommendations
SSDA has adopted support positions on Propositions 1A, 1B, 1C and 1F that are all on the May 19 special election ballot. The special election ballot is part of the agreement for balancing the state budget in 2008-09 through . . . read more
Can School Districts Initiate Another Round of Certificated Employee Layoffs after March 15?
Education Code Section 44955.5 allows school districts to initiate additional certificated employee layoffs if: “During the time period between five days after the enactment of the Budget Act and August 15 of the fiscal year to . . . read more
Proposition 39 Audit Requirements
As part of Proposition 39, school districts which enact 55% voter approval bonds pursuant to Proposition 39 must conduct performance audits. These audits are not specific but are intended to ensure that the Proposition 39 bond funds are . . . read more
State Allocation Board Update
PMIB The State Allocation Board (SAB) met on February 25, to continue discussing how to address the state’s credit crunch which has restricted the ability to provide fund releases for new construction and modernization projects. . . . read more
Don't Panic
Yesterday, State Treasurer Bill Lockyer indicated the state’s cash flow problems could result in a delay or termination of funding new infrastructure projects. The Treasurer indicated that such a slowdown or stoppage could occur . . . read more
12.04.08: Lottery Sales Drop
The State Lottery has reported an almost 10 percent decline in lottery ticket sales for the July through October time period. This means school districts should prepare for a similar percent decline in the anticipated 2008-09 . . . read more
11.05.08: When is News not News?
Last night the Democrats increased their membership in both the California State Assembly and Senate. The increase, however, was not to the magic two-thirds necessary to pass a state budget or tax increase without Republican votes. . . . read more
09.03.08: Status of Significant Legislation
The Legislature has completed action on legislation for this two-year session, other than for budget trailer (urgency) bills and the State Budget. Click here for the status of significant enrolled and signed legislation. . . . read more
Legislative and Regulatory Focus
Small School Districts' Association 2007-2008 Legislative Platform School Finance: In addition to ensuring funding for the COLA and full funding equalization, establish the following goals: Provide . . . read more
Legislative Accomplishments
2007 Accomplishments • SSDA was the first organization to advocate using one-time funds to pay the full 4.53% COLA to avoid a revenue limit deficit. • . . . read more
