Contra Costa school districts struggle to stay afloat

11-30-2010

By Theresa Harrington/Contra Costa County

Five Contra Costa County school districts are struggling to stay fiscally solvent in the next three years as they grapple with state budget cuts, declining enrollment and failed tax measures. "We're advising districts that they need to conserve their cash," said Peggy Marshburn, spokeswoman for the Contra Costa County Office of Education. "The budget picture at the state level is much more bleak" than anticipated. Of 19 districts in the county, 14 are managing to stay afloat by tightening their belts, dipping into reserves, and spending revenues generated through parcel taxes, education foundations and parent donations. But the Antioch, John Swett, Mt. Diablo, West Contra Costa and Byron districts are not meeting state requirements for fiscal solvency and have been warned by the county that they could be taken over by the state if they don't make deeper cuts. The county conditionally approved each of the districts' 2010-11 budgets, but it required them to create fiscal recovery plans and revised three-year projections by Dec. 15. (more…)

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Contra Costa school districts struggle to stay afloat

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