School District Budgets 2024–25

Projected funded average daily attendance (ADA) has not been overestimated in the first prior fiscal year or in two or more of the previous three fiscal years by more than the following percentage levels:

• 3.0% for districts with 0 to 300 ADA
• 2.0% for districts with 301 to 1,000 ADA
• 1.0% for districts with 1,001 and over ADA

Projected enrollment has not been overestimated in the first prior fiscal year or in two or more of the previous three fiscal years by more than the following percentage levels:

• 3.0% for districts with 0 to 300 ADA
• 2.0% for districts with 301 to 1,000 ADA
• 1.0% for districts with 1,001 and over ADA

Projected LCFF revenue for any of the budget year or two subsequent fiscal years has not changed from the prior fiscal year by more than the change in population, plus the district’s cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), plus or minus one percent.

For basic aid districts, projected LCFF revenue has not changed from the prior fiscal year by more than the percent change in property tax revenues plus or minus one percent.

Projected ratio of total unrestricted salaries and benefits to total unrestricted general fund expenditures for any of the budget year or two subsequent fiscal years has not changed from the historical average ratio from the three prior fiscal years by more than the greater of three percent or the district’s required reserves percentage.

Projected operating revenues (including federal, other state, and other local) or expenditures (including books and supplies, and services and other operating), for any of the budget year or two subsequent fiscal years, have not changed from the prior fiscal year amount by more than the percentage change in population and the funded COLA plus or minus ten percent.

Confirm that the annual contribution for facilities maintenance funding is not less than the amount required pursuant to Education Code Section 17070.75, if applicable, and that the district is providing adequately to preserve the functionality of its facilities for their normal life in accordance with Education Code sections 52060(d)(1) and 17002(d)(1).

Budgeted beginning unrestricted general fund balance has not been overestimated for two out of three prior fiscal years by more than the following percentage levels4:

• 1.7% for districts with 0 to 300 ADA
• 1.3% for districts with 301 to 1,000 ADA
• 1.0% for districts with 1,001 to 30,000 ADA
• 0.7% for districts with 30,001 to 250,000 ADA
• 0.3% for districts with 250,001 and over ADA

Projected general fund cash balance will be positive at the end of the current fiscal year.

Available reserves1 for any of the budget year or two subsequent fiscal years are not less than the following percentages or amounts2 as applied to total expenditures and other financing uses3:

• the greater of 5% or $87,000 for districts with 0 to 300 ADA
• the greater of 4% or $87,000 for districts with 301 to 1,000 ADA
• 3% for districts with 1,001 to 30,000 ADA
• 2% for districts with 30,001 to 250,000 ADA
• 1% for districts with 250,001 and over ADA

Identify projected revenues for the budget year and two subsequent fiscal years that are contingent on reauthorization by the local government, special legislation, or other definitive act (e.g. parcel taxes, forest reserves). If any of these revenues are dedicated for ongoing expenses, explain how the revenues will be replaced or the expenditures reduced.

Identify projected contributions from unrestricted resources in the general fund to restricted resources in the general fund for the budget year and two subsequent fiscal years. Provide an explanation if contributions have changed from the prior fiscal year amounts by more than $20,000 and more than ten percent. Explanation should include whether contributions are ongoing or one‑time in nature.

Identify projected transfers to or from the general fund to cover operating deficits in either the general fund or any other fund for the budget year and two subsequent fiscal years. Provide an explanation if transfers have changed from the prior fiscal year amounts by more than $20,000 and more than ten percent. Explanation should include whether transfers are ongoing or one‑time in nature.

Identify all existing and new multiyear commitments1 and their annual required payment for the budget year and two subsequent fiscal years.

Estimate the unfunded liability for postemployment benefits other than pensions (OPEB) based on an actuarial valuation, if required, or other method; identify or estimate the actuarially determined contribution (if available); and indicate how the obligation is funded (pay-as-you-go, amortized over a specific period, etc.).

Analyze the status of all employee labor agreements.

Identify new labor agreements, as well as new commitments provided as part of previously ratified multiyear agreements; and include all contracts, including all administrator contracts (and including all compensation). For new agreements, indicate the date of the required board meeting.

Compare the increase in new commitments to the projected increase in ongoing revenues and explain how these commitments will be funded in future fiscal years.

If salary and benefit negotiations are not finalized at budget adoption, upon settlement with certificated or classified staff:

• The school district must determine the cost of the settlement, including salaries, benefits, and any other agreements that change costs, and provide the county office of education (COE) with an analysis of the cost of the settlement and its impact on the operating budget.
• The county superintendent shall review the analysis relative to the criteria and standards and may provide written comments to the president of the district governing board and superintendent.