AB 2278

Bill Subjects

Abstract

Existing law authorizes the governing board of a school district to request an emergency apportionment through the Superintendent of Public Instruction if the governing board of a school district determines during a fiscal year that its revenues are less than the amount necessary to meet its current year expenditure obligations. Existing law provides that if a school district accepts an emergency apportionment that exceeds an amount equal to 200% of the amount of the reserve recommended for that school district, as specified, the Superintendent must, among other things, assume all the legal rights, duties, and powers of the governing board of the qualifying school district, as defined, and, in consultation with the county superintendent of schools, appoint an administrator to act on the Superintendent's behalf. Existing law also provides that the governing board of a qualifying school district has no rights, duties, or powers for the period of time the Superintendent exercises the authority given to the Superintendent as a result of an emergency apportionment that exceeds an amount equal to 200% of the amount of the reserve recommended for the school district. This bill would authorize the governing board of a qualifying school district, after one complete fiscal year has elapsed following the qualifying school district's acceptance of an emergency apportionment, to conduct an annual advisory evaluation of the administrator appointed by the Superintendent. The bill would require (A) an advisory evaluation to focus on the administrator's effectiveness in leading the school district toward fiscal recovery and improved academic achievement, (B) advisory evaluation criteria to be agreed upon by the governing board of the qualifying school district and the administrator before the advisory evaluation, and (C) the advisory evaluation to include, among other things, commendations in the areas of the administrator's strengths and achievements. The bill would also require that the advisory evaluation of the administrator be submitted to the Governor, the Legislature, the Superintendent, and the County Office Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team.