Print Item

Public school districts are required by the State to certify, twice each year, the ability to meet their financial obligations for the remainder of the fiscal year and two subsequent years. This report shows actual activity for the period of July 1, 2021, through January 31, 2022. Financial projections are made through June 30, 2022, and for fiscal years 2022-23 and 2023-24.

The purpose of the report is to identify if deficit spending is occurring so that corrective action can be taken in time to avoid financial insolvency at year-end. The report highlights the General Fund, although all funds are included. Projections show adequate year-end fund balances in all funds.

Management is pleased to present a Positive Certification of Financial Condition, meaning that the District will be able to meet its financial obligations for the current fiscal year and subsequent two fiscal years and meet the 3% minimum State Reserve for economic uncertainty.

Due to the influx of local, state, and federal support in 2021-22 being available over several fiscal years, the District is able to fund programs such as expanded counseling through deficit spending in fiscal years 2021-22 and 2022-23. It is important to note that this support (e.g., CARES Act) is one-time and is not expected in future years. Careful financial planning will be necessary in future years to ensure the financial stability of the District. Identifying additional revenue sources will be important as will identifying programmatic and operational reductions and efficiencies. Note that while the District is able to meet the Board-identified 6% minimum reserve through fiscal year 2022-23, the deficit spending for 2021-2023 is unsustainable and will require budget reductions, particularly if the parcel tax is not renewed.

The primary factors that will impact our ongoing annual budget include:

Enrollment uncertainty
Insufficiently funded mandated programs, including Special Education, universal free meals, and universal TK

The State and Federal governments only provide a portion of the revenue necessary to support the required mandated programs of the District. While effort is being put forth to manage these programs, the costs continue to rise with increases in frequency and severity of student needs, as well as escalating costs of contracted services.

The District's solvency depends significantly on two parcel taxes (Measure R and Measure K) that are currently generating approximately $3.4 million in annual revenue for the District. The District is grateful to the community for supporting Measure K, which will provide funding through 2022-23, and Measure R, which will provide funding through 2024-25. In addition, the District continues to celebrate and depend on the SchoolForce Foundation. Without these two funding sources, our children would not have access to the quality education they deserve and receive in the Belmont-Redwood Shores School District.

Staff will continue to provide updates to the Board.

Staff recommends approval of the 2021-22 Second Interim Fiscal Solvency Report, as presented.