It is absolutely critical that charter school leaders understand the principals of sound financial management and designate time and resources for the implementation and monitoring of their fiscal practices.
CCSA's offers several in-depth trainings on this critical area each year both which are highly-recommended for school leaders, business managers and board members. The yearly Finance Academy and quarterly Business Managers' Meetings are offered both in-person and as webinars.
The National Resource Center on Charter School Finance and Governance also offers a plethora of related materials, including a resource clearinghouse, profiles of promising best practices, and a catalog of federal funding sources.
Featured State Budget Resources
State Budget Update
Premium ContentOn 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.
Published May 14, 2012. Last Modified May 14, 2012Bridging the Gap: Understanding Cash Flow Options in the Midst of Deferrals
Premium ContentPDF: 35 pages. 860 kBA resource created in partnership with EdTec outlining the reasons for the deferrals, providing projected estimates for current-year deferrals and suggesting options for charter schools to pursue
Published March 30, 2012. Last Modified March 30, 2012Bridging the Gap: Cash Flow Options One-Page Guide
Premium ContentPDF: 1 page. 42 kBCheat-sheet detailing potential cash flow options for charter schools to pursue
Published October 19, 2011. Last Modified October 19, 2011Strategies for Weathering a Financial Storm
Premium ContentIn times of economic uncertainty and stress, schools need creative solutions to their economic woes.
Published July 14, 2011. Last Modified July 14, 2011
Featured Financial Management Resources
Audit Guide
Premium ContentPDF: 12 pages. 131 kBAims to help charter schools understand how to meet their audit compliance requirements during the year, prepare for their auditor's visits and earn and keep all of the funding available to them.
Published October 19, 2011. Last Modified October 19, 20112011 Charter School Financial Management Guide
Premium ContentSince the last publication in 2009, charter school financial planning has been tested like never before. This 2011 edition highlights financial management issues that are crucial for charter school leaders and boards to consider.
Published April 4, 2011. Last Modified April 4, 2011Revenue Sources for Your School
Explore the major funding opportunities available to charter schools, requirements for receiving funding, funding timelines and estimated funding amounts.
Published December 9, 2011. Last Modified December 9, 2011Planning Calendar
Premium ContentStaff PickImportant fiscal year 2011-2012 deadlines for local, state, and federal reporting requirements
Published April 26, 2012. Last Modified April 26, 2012Budget Workbook
Premium ContentSpreadsheet1 MBThis workbook goes step by step through the budget creation process for charter schools opening in 2011 and 2012.
Published March 26, 2012. Last Modified March 26, 2012What is Cash Flow Management?
Premium ContentManage cash flow to avoid cash shortages: monitor the inflow and outflow of cash and adjust your revenue and expenses accordingly.
Published October 7, 2011. Last Modified October 7, 2011Business Managers' Meetings
Got questions about the ever-changing legislative and state financial situations and how this will impact your school? Look no further than the Association's Business Managers' meetings! These quarterly meetings, featuring Alice Miller, Director of Knowledge Management, provide up-to-the-minute information on the current budget situation, current funding rates, updates on categorical programs - plus legislative and regulatory updates.
Published April 23, 2012. Last Modified April 23, 2012