Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team (FCMAT)

October 18, 2021

Projected K-12 drops in enrollment pose immediate upheaval and decade-long challenge

Once past Covid disruptions, many school districts face a long-term predicament: budget cuts forced by projected declines in enrollment.

John Fensterwald

Community Colleges

January 7, 2021

Rife with infighting, Oakland community college district at risk of losing local control

The state chancellor’s office overseeing California’s community colleges may soon intervene at the Peralta Community College District.

Michael Burke

Local Control Funding Formula

March 9, 2020

California districts complain proposed state budget won’t cover expenses

With mandated costs rising, school districts had been counting on a larger cost of living adjustment that they’d receive next year.

John Fensterwald

Community Colleges

October 22, 2019

California community college district works to fend off state takeover

The Bay Area district, Peralta Community College District, faces budgeting, auditing and enrollment challenges, according to a state agency.

Michael Burke

School Finance

April 4, 2019

Oakland Unified gets unprecedented help with fiscal practices

Alameda County Office of Education team steps in to train district staff and help implement fiscal stability procedures as chief business officer position is eliminated.

Theresa Harrington

School Finance

March 4, 2019

Oakland school board cuts $20.2 million from budget, including 100 jobs

Board member Jody London said the district could not give teachers the raises it agreed to in settling the recent strike without making the cuts.

Theresa Harrington

School Finance

October 30, 2018

Oakland risks state takeover if it fails to make budget cuts, state and county officials warn

District is surveying community and board plans to hear feedback from public on proposed budget cuts at meeting next month.

Theresa Harrington

School Finance

June 27, 2018

Oakland Unified needs to close schools and reform fiscal practices to stay solvent, county civil grand jury concludes

Panel issues nine recommendations aimed at improving budget oversight and reducing number of schools.

Theresa Harrington

Pay and Tenure

June 24, 2018

Teachers in Oakland among others pushing for pay raises from California districts in fiscal crisis

Inspired by successful strikes in other states, teachers from Southern California to the Bay Area are threatening fall strikes.

Theresa Harrington

School Finance

June 13, 2018

Oakland Unified chided for 'highly unusual' and 'suspicious' fiscal practices

A fiscal analysis by an independent agency says the district is in “financial distress.”

Theresa Harrington

School Finance

June 7, 2018

Oakland and Inglewood among four financially distressed California districts seeking state relief

Districts are hoping the upcoming state budget will include financial relief such as deferred state loans, flat per-student payments, and flexibility to sell or lease surplus property.